Image input apparatus, program executed by computer, and method for preparing document with image

ABSTRACT

A digital camera inputs an image capture guide list including at least one of image titles as targets to be recorded, and displays the image title(s) included in the image capture guide list on its display part. User takes a picture or pictures while checking the image title(s) in the image capture guide list.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.09/821,248, filed Mar. 30, 2001, and is based upon and claims thebenefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application Nos.2000-100126, filed Mar. 31, 2000, 2000-100137, filed Mar. 31, 2000,2000-136406, filed Mar. 31, 2000, 2000-109973, filed Apr. 11, 2000,2000-109974, filed Apr. 11, 2000, 2000-109975, filed Apr. 11, 2000,2000-269419, filed Sep. 5, 2000, 2000-269420, filed Sep. 5, 2000,2000-269421, filed Sep. 5, 2000, and 2001-073153, filed Mar. 14, 2001,the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an image input apparatus, a programexecuted by a computer, and a method for preparing a document with animage. More particularly, this invention relates to the image inputapparatus using an image capture guide list, the program executed by acomputer, and the method for preparing a document with an image.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The original model of a digital camera is the electronic still camera,and Sony's Mavica put on sale in about 1981 is the first to bepractically used. Since then, CCDs as image pickup devices have beenbecoming highly accurate and reducing cost, and memory cards asrecording media have been gaining larger capacity and theirminiaturization. Further, semiconductor chips based on JPEG as the stillpicture compression/coding system have appeared on the market. Inassociation with these advanced technologies, the current digitalcameras are progressing in their minimization, reduction of cost, andhigh performance.

Rapid spread of mobile telephones, minimized portable personalcomputers, and common use of PDAs represented by Sharp s Zaurus make theenvironments, under which the equipment is used during movement, getmuch better. Under such environments, the digital camera becomingwidespread as an image input unit is connected to a personal computerand a network. Further, the digital camera is becoming one of the mostimportant elements in the multimedia system as a capture device forcapturing not only images but also any image information such as voicememos and motion pictures.

The digital camera has also been expected as a candidate of a wearablecomputer, that is, a computer that a person puts on, in addition to thefeature as the capture device. This aspect of this digital camera hasbeen more actively developed in recent years together with the mobiletelephones, PDAs, and pad-form personal computers. Further, the digitalcamera has been desired to be provided with more advanced functions suchas the function of connecting to the Internet, the function of managingpersonal information, and the function of making a presentation. Inparticular, a simple method for preparing a document with images usingthe digital camera has been demanded. There have also been needs tosimplify data processing and data management of Web information with thedigital camera that has the connecting function to the Internet. Thissimplification is realized by handling the Web information for a Webpage in the same manner as that of handling data for a picked-up image.

There is a disclosure, for example, “Function-adding method for digitalcamera” disclosed in JP, HEI10-341396A. In this method, such technologythat a program can be introduced from the outside in order to adddesired functions to the digital camera by being provided with twoprocesses as follows. One of them is a first process for receiving aprogram stored in an external recording medium and recording the programin a storage medium of the digital camera. The other is a second processfor reading out the program from the recording medium of the camera atany time to execute it.

However, this Function-adding Method for Digital Camera in JP,HEI10-341396A has a problem such that forgetting to take the picture ofa required subject or omitting doing some jobs can not be prevented.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide an image input apparatusthat can prevent forgetting to take the picture of a required subject oromitting doing some job, and to provide a program executed by acomputer.

It is another object of this invention to provide an image inputapparatus that can simplify data processing and data management of Webinformation by handling the Web information in a Web page in the samemanner as that of handling data for a picked-up image.

It is a still another object of this invention to provide a method forpreparing a document with an image, in which a document with an imagecan simply be prepared.

In order to achieve the above objects, according to one aspect of thisinvention, an optical system forms an image of a subject, and an imagepickup unit converts the formed subject image to image data. An imagecapture guide list input unit inputs image capture guide lists eachincluding at least one of image titles representing targets to berecorded. A storage unit stores the image capture guide lists inputthrough the image capture guide list input unit. An image title displayunit displays the image title (s) included in one of the image captureguide lists stored in the storage unit on the screen of a displaydevice.

Further, an image capture guide list display unit displays the imagecapture guide lists stored in the storage unit in list form on thescreen of the display device, and an image capture guide list selectionunit selects one from the image capture guide lists displayed on thescreen. The image title display unit displays the image title(s)included in the image capture guide list selected by the image captureguide list selection unit.

Further, the image capture guide list is input from an informationprocessing device.

Further, the image capture guide list is downloaded from a home page ofa Web server.

Further, an image title selection unit selects one of the image titlesdisplayed on the screen, and when one of the image titles is selected bythe image title selection unit, the mode is switched to a recordingmode.

Further, still images, binary images and motion pictures as targets tobe recorded, and voice memos are also recordable.

Further, an HTML file conversion unit converts the data recorded in therecording mode to an HTML file.

Further, an uploading unit uploads the HTML file converted by the HTMLfile conversion unit to the home page in the Web server.

Further, the image title selected by the image title selection unit isadded to parameters in a recorded file for the data recorded in therecording mode.

Further, the recorded file for the data recorded in the recording modeis stored in correlation with the image title selected by the imagetitle selection unit.

Further, the name of the recorded file includes the image title selectedby the image title selection unit.

Further, the image title selected by the image title selection unit issuperposed on the image data recorded in the recording mode.

Further, when an image title is selected from the image capture guidelist by the image title selection unit and recorded data relating tothis image title is recorded, the image title display unit displays amessage to the effect that recording corresponding to this image titlehas been performed.

Further, the image title display unit displays the number of recordingson the screen of the display device for each image title.

Further, when shooting for all the image titles in the image captureguide list has been finished, a message to the effect, that the shootingfor the image capture guide list has been finished, is sent to aspecified destination.

Further, when one of the image titles is selected by the image titleselection unit, the mode is switched to a recording mode, and the imagetitle selected by the image title selection unit is displayed togetherwith a monitoring image of the subject on the screen of the displaydevice.

Further, when one of the image titles is selected by the image titleselection unit, a recording control unit shifts to the recording mode,records data to be recorded for any of still images, binary images,motion pictures of subjects, and voice memos according to the operationof the specific button, and stores the data in the storage unit as arecorded file. A grouping unit groups the recorded files for each imagecapture guide list.

Further, the grouping unit registers the recorded files in a folder orfolders for each image capture guide list to group the files.

Further, the image capture guide list further includes shootinginstruction information that corresponds to each image title andprovides an instruction to a user, and when one of the image titles isselected by the image title selection unit, the contents of the shootinginstruction information for the selected image capture guide list isnotified.

Further, the contents of the shooting instruction information are ashooting procedure or an instruction for operations to be carried outafter shooting.

Further, the attribute of the shooting instruction information is any oftext, graphics, a voice memo, and a motion picture.

Further, the image capture guide list further includes automaticprocessing instruction information that corresponds to each image titleand provides instructions for automatic settings of setting conditionswhen recording a target to be recorded, and/or for automatic processingto be executed after the recording. When an image title is selected bythe image title selection unit, the mode is switched to the recordingmode to execute the automatic settings of the setting conditions whenrecording the target to be recorded and/or the automatic processing.More specifically, this setting is required when the target is to berecorded, and this automatic processing is required to be executed afterthe recorded data is recorded. Both operations are executed based on thecontents of the automatic processing instruction information for theimage title selected by the image title selection unit.

Further, when the contents of the automatic processing instructioninformation for an image title selected by the image title selectionunit indicate an instruction to send data as an attachment after thedata is recorded, the data recorded in the recording mode is attached toe-mail to be sent to a specified destination through the communicationmeans.

Further, when the contents of the automatic processing instructioninformation for an image title selected by the image title selectionunit indicate an instruction to send thumbnail data as an attachmentafter the data is recorded, thumbnail images for the image data recordedin the recording mode are attached to e-mail to be sent to a specifieddestination through the communication means.

Further, when the contents of the automatic processing instructioninformation for an image title selected by the image title selectionunit indicate an instruction to send zoomed image data as an attachmentafter the data is recorded, the image data recorded in the recordingmode is changed to a specified size to be attached to e-mail, and thee-mail is sent to a specified destination through the communicationmeans.

Further, when the contents of the automatic processing instructioninformation for an image title selected by the image title selectionunit indicate an instruction to upload data to a home page after thedata is recorded, the image data recorded in the recording mode isconverted to an HTML file, which is uploaded to a specified home pagethrough the communication means.

Further, when the contents of the automatic processing instructioninformation for an image title selected by the image title selectionunit indicate an instruction to upload data to a home page after thedata is recorded and notify of a URL address of this home page, theimage data recorded in the recording mode is converted to an HTML file,which is uploaded to a specified home page through the communicationmeans, and the URL address of this home page is also sent to a specifieddestination through the communication means.

Further, when the contents of the automatic processing instructioninformation for an image title selected by the image title selectionunit indicate an instruction to input memo information after relateddata is recorded, the mode is switched to a memo input mode after thedata is recorded in the recording mode, and a file of the memoinformation input through a memo input unit is stored in correlationwith the recorded file of the data recorded in the recording mode.

Further, when the contents of the automatic processing instructioninformation for an image title selected by the image title selectionunit indicate an instruction to input memo information after relateddata is recorded, the mode is switched to the memo input mode after thedata is recorded in the recording mode, and the memo information inputthrough the memo input unit is superposed on the image data recorded inthe recording mode.

Further, the memo information is provided with text or freehandcharacters.

Further, a superposing position of the memo information with respect tothe recorded image can freely be set.

Further, when the contents of the automatic processing instructioninformation for an image title selected by the image title selectionunit indicate an instruction to input voice memo after related data isrecorded, the mode is switched to a voice memo input mode after the datais recorded in the recording mode, and a file of the voice memo inputthrough a voice memo input unit is stored in correlation with therecorded file of the image data recorded in the recording mode.

Further, when the contents of the automatic processing instructioninformation for an image title selected by the image title selectionunit indicate an instruction to imprint a date on an image to berecorded, the image data is recorded in the recording mode, and then thedate is imprinted on this image data.

Further, when the contents of the automatic processing instructioninformation for an image title selected by the image title selectionunit indicate an instruction to set resolution of an image to berecorded, the resolution for shooting is set according to the settinginstruction.

Further, the image capture guide list includes at least one of imagetitles as targets to be recorded and information to be superposed forthis image title. When one of the image titles is selected by the imagetitle selection unit, the mode is switched to the recording mode, andthe information to be superposed for the image title, that is selectedfrom the image capture guide list by the selection unit, is superposedon the image recorded in this recording mode.

Further, a combining position of the information to be superposed withrespect to the recorded image can freely be set.

Further, the image capture guide list includes automatic processinginstruction information that provides an instruction for automaticprocessing to be executed after data is recorded, and when an imagetitle is selected by the image title selection unit, the mode isswitched to the recording mode, shooting is performed for each of theimage titles according to the operation of a specific button, and therecorded image data is processed based on the automatic processinginstruction information in the image capture guide list.

Further, when the automatic processing instruction information indicatesan instruction to combine a plurality of images, the plurality of imagesrecorded for each of the image titles are combined into one.

Further, when the automatic processing instruction information indicatesan instruction to correct a plurality of images, the plurality of imagesrecorded for each of the image titles are corrected.

Further, the image capture guide list further includes model nameinformation. The automatic processing instruction information is thecontents adequate for the model. A determination unit reads out themodel name information from the image capture guide list input throughthe image capture guide list input unit, and determines whether themodel name of its own and the model name in the image capture guide listmatch with each other. When it is determined by the determination unitthat these two match with each other, shooting is performed based on theimage capture guide list.

According to another aspect of this invention, an optical system formsan image of a subject, an image pickup unit converts the formed subjectimage to image data. A memory temporarily stores the image data outputfrom the image pickup unit, and a storage control unit stores the imagedata stored in the memory in a recording medium in a predetermined fileformat. A Web browsing unit captures Web information for a Web page of aWeb server, stores the information in the memory as display data, andrecords the display data stored in the memory, in the recording mediumin the predetermined file format.

Further, the Web browsing unit enlarges or reduces the size of thedisplay data stored in the memory according to the operation of a zoomlever to change a range of the Web information to be captured.

Further, the display data stored in the memory is recorded in therecording medium in the predetermined file format according to theoperation of a shutter release button.

Further, the Web browsing unit periodically accesses a particular URLfor an image to be browsed, and captures the Web information.

Further, the freehand memo information input through a freehand memoinformation input unit and the Web information captured from the Webserver are combined into one.

Further, voice memo information is added to the Web information capturedfrom the Web server.

Further, a position on the Web information, which has been browsed, isspecified, and the memo information input through a memo informationinput unit or previously stored in a memo information storage unit issuperposed on the specified position of the Web information.

Further, when the display data stored in the memory is recorded in therecording medium in the predetermined file format, the corresponding URLor e-mail address is written in the header of the file.

Further, the files in the predetermined file format are classified intothose for respective folders according to the contents of the URLs.

According to still another aspect of this invention, a program isexecuted by a computer to create an image capture guide list, which aredisplayed on the screen of the display device for an image inputapparatus and includes at least one of image titles that representstargets to be recorded and are used for shooting.

Further, the program is executed by a computer to read out the modelname information from an image input apparatus connected to the computerand create the image capture guide list adequate for the model.

Further, the program is executed by a computer to read out the modelname information from the header of the recorded file stored in theimage input apparatus and create the image capture guide list adequatefor the model.

Further, the program is executed by a computer to create the imagecapture guide list adequate for each model using a table in which modelability information for each model of plural image input apparatuses isregistered.

Further, the program is executed by a computer to create an imagecapture guide list. This image capture guide list is created bydisplaying a spreadsheet type input screen consisting of a plurality ofcells, inputting an image title in one of the cells on the input screen,specifying at least one of the cell positions where image titles havebeen input, and including the image title on the specified cellposition.

Further, the program is executed by a computer to create an imagecapture guide list. This image capture guide list is created bydisplaying a spreadsheet type input screen consisting of a plurality ofcells, inputting an image title and a shooting instruction item relatingto this image title in respective cells on the input screen, specifyingat least one of the cell positions where image titles have been input,and including the image title and the shooting instruction item relatingto the image title on the specified cell position.

Further, the program is executed by a computer to create an imagecapture guide list. This image capture guide list is created bydisplaying a spreadsheet type input screen consisting of a plurality ofcells; inputting an image title in one of the cells on the input screen;changing the size of at least a part of the cells on the input screen;specifying at least one of the cell positions where image titles havebeen input; specifying a cell position, in which an image is to bepasted, for each image title; and including the image title on thespecified cell position and the size of the specified cell.

Further, the program is executed by a computer to create an imagecapture guide list. This image capture guide list is created bydisplaying a spreadsheet type input screen consisting of a plurality ofcells; inputting an image title in one of the cells on the input screen;changing the size of at least a part of the cells on the input screen;pasting an image on one of the cells; specifying at least one of thecell positions where image titles have been input; specifying a cellposition, in which an image has been pasted, for each image title; andincluding the image title on the specified cell position and the size ofthe image pasted on the specified cell.

Further, the program is executed by a computer to input the imagecaptured by the image input apparatus based on the image capture guidelist and also input the image capture guide list, display a spreadsheettype input screen consisting of a plurality of cells, display an imagetitle in the image capture guide list on one of the cells, read out thesize of a target cell in which the image captured corresponding to theimage title is to be pasted, change the size of the recorded image tothe size of the read-out cell, and paste the recorded image in thetarget cell.

Further, the program is executed by a computer to change the size of animage to the changed size of a cell if the size of the cell, in whichthe image has been pasted, is changed.

The method according to still another aspect of this invention isrealized by creating an item list, that includes at least an itemindicating a title of a subject desired to be recorded, on a firstscreen; selecting the scope of writing out at least one of image titlesfrom the item list; and creating an image capture guide list includingthe image title. This method is also realized by displaying the imagetitle in the image capture guide list on a second screen; shooting asubject for each image title; selecting the range, in which the recordedimage (s) is pasted, from the item list on the first screen; and pastingthe recorded image (s) in the selected range.

Other objects and features of this invention will become understood fromthe following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example of schematic structure of a digital camerasystem according to an embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart for explaining the outline of the basicoperations of the digital camera system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B show examples of an item list;

FIG. 4 shows another example of the item list;

FIG. 5 shows an external structure of the digital camera in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the digitalcamera in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B show display examples of the screen for the imagecapture guide list mode;

FIG. 8 shows a display example of the screen for the communication mode;

FIG. 9 shows another display example of the screen for the communicationmode;

FIG. 10 shows a display example of the screen for the memo input mode;

FIG. 11 shows another display example of the screen for the memo inputmode;

FIG. 12 shows another display example of the screen for the memo inputmode;

FIG. 13 shows another display example of the screen for the memo inputmode;

FIG. 14 shows another display example of the screen for the memo inputmode;

FIG. 15 shows another display example of the screen for the memo inputmode;

FIG. 16 shows another display example of the screen for the memo inputmode;

FIG. 17 shows another display example of the screen for the memo inputmode;

FIG. 18 shows another display example of the screen for the memo inputmode;

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the personalcomputer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 20 is a flow chart for explaining a first example of recordingoperation in the digital camera;

FIG. 21 shows an example of an image capture guide list;

FIG. 22 shows an example of the format of an image file;

FIG. 23 is a flow chart for explaining a second example of the recordingoperation in the digital camera;

FIG. 24 shows an example of how the format of the image capture guidelist in FIG. 21, which shows before shooting, has been changed aftershooting;

FIG. 25 is a flow chart for explaining a third example of the recordingoperation in the digital camera;

FIG. 26 is a flow chart for explaining a fourth example of the recordingoperation in the digital camera;

FIG. 27A and FIG. 27B show a case in which a selected image title issuperposed on image data;

FIG. 28 is a flow chart for explaining a fifth example of the recordingoperation in the digital camera;

FIG. 29 shows a display example on the display section of the digitalcamera;

FIG. 30 is a flow chart for explaining a sixth example of the recordingoperation in the digital camera;

FIG. 31 shows another display example on the display section of thedigital camera;

FIG. 32 is a flow chart for explaining a seventh example of therecording operation in the digital camera;

FIG. 33 is a flow chart for explaining an eighth example of therecording operation in the digital camera;

FIG. 34 is a flow chart for explaining a ninth example of the recordingoperation in the digital camera;

FIG. 35 is a flow chart for explaining a first example of the imagecapture guide list for the digital camera;

FIG. 36 shows shooting instruction information;

FIG. 37 shows another type of the shooting instruction information;

FIG. 38 is a flow chart for explaining a second example of the imagecapture guide list for the digital camera;

FIG. 39 is a flow chart for explaining a third example of the imagecapture guide list for the digital camera;

FIG. 40 is a flow chart for explaining a fourth example of the imagecapture guide list for the digital camera;

FIG. 41 shows an example of commands to instruct operations;

FIG. 42 is a flow chart for explaining a fifth example of the imagecapture guide list for the digital camera;

FIG. 43 shows an example of commands used for sending an image by e-mailas post-processing of shooting;

FIG. 44 is a flow chart for explaining a sixth example of the imagecapture guide list for the digital camera;

FIG. 45 is a flow chart for explaining a seventh example of the imagecapture guide list for the digital camera;

FIG. 46 is a flow chart for explaining an eighth example of the imagecapture guide list for the digital camera;

FIG. 47 shows an example of commands to upload an image to a Web serveras an instruction after recorded;

FIG. 48 is a flow chart for explaining a ninth example of the imagecapture guide list for the digital camera;

FIG. 49 is a flow chart for explaining a tenth example of the imagecapture guide list for the digital camera;

FIG. 50 is a flow chart for explaining an eleventh example of the imagecapture guide list for the digital camera;

FIG. 51 is a flow chart for explaining a twelfth example of the imagecapture guide list for the digital camera;

FIG. 52 is a flow chart for explaining a thirteenth example of the imagecapture guide list for the digital camera;

FIG. 53 is a flow chart for explaining a fourteenth example of the imagecapture guide list for the digital camera;

FIG. 54 is a flow chart for explaining a fifteenth example of the imagecapture guide list for the digital camera;

FIG. 55 shows an example of a folder structure of a recorded image;

FIG. 56 is a flow chart for explaining a sixteenth example of the imagecapture guide list for the digital camera;

FIG. 57 is a flow chart for explaining a seventeenth example of theimage capture guide list for the digital camera;

FIG. 58 shows an example of a composite image;

FIG. 59 shows an example of how the image capture guide list isdescribed;

FIG. 60 is a flow chart for explaining an eighteenth example of theimage capture guide list for the digital camera;

FIG. 61 is a flow chart for explaining a nineteenth example of the imagecapture guide list for the digital camera;

FIG. 62 is a flow chart for explaining a twentieth example of the imagecapture guide list for the digital camera;

FIG. 63 is a flow chart for explaining a first example of the browserfunction in the digital camera;

FIG. 64 shows an example of a browser screen;

FIG. 65 shows another example of the browser screen;

FIG. 66A and FIG. 66B show a case in which a range of browsed image tobe captured is enlarged or reduced;

FIG. 67 shows a case of how the range of a browsed image to be capturedis enlarged or reduced;

FIG. 68 shows another case of how the range of the browsed image to becaptured is enlarged or reduced;

FIG. 69 shows an example of an Web capture condition setting screen;

FIG. 70 is a flow chart for explaining a second example of the browserfunction in the digital camera;

FIG. 71 is a flow chart for explaining a third example of a browserfunction in the digital camera;

FIG. 72 shows another example of the browser screen;

FIG. 73 is a flow chart for explaining a first example of the personalcomputer;

FIG. 74 is a flow chart for explaining a second example of the personalcomputer;

FIG. 75 is a flow chart for explaining a third example of the personalcomputer;

FIG. 76 is a flow chart for explaining a fourth example of the personalcomputer;

FIG. 77 is a flow chart for explaining a fifth example of the personalcomputer;

FIG. 78 is a flow chart for explaining a sixth example of the personalcomputer;

FIG. 79 shows an example of the spreadsheet type screen;

FIG. 80 is a flow chart for explaining a seventh example of the personalcomputer;

FIG. 81 is a flow chart for explaining an eighth example of the personalcomputer;

FIG. 82 shows another example of the spreadsheet type screen;

FIG. 83 is a flow chart for explaining a ninth example of the personalcomputer;

FIG. 84 shows another example of the spreadsheet type screen;

FIG. 85 is a flow chart for explaining a tenth example of the personalcomputer;

FIG. 86 shows another example of the spreadsheet type screen;

FIG. 87 is a flow chart for explaining an eleventh example of thepersonal computer;

FIG. 88 shows another example of the spreadsheet type screen;

FIG. 89 shows another example of the item list; and

FIG. 90 shows an example of the model table.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A preferred embodiment of the image input apparatus, the programexecuted by a computer, and the method for preparing a document with animage according to this invention will be explained in detail below. Theexplanation will be carried out in the order of [Structure of a digitalcamera system according to this embodiment], [Configuration of thedigital camera according to this embodiment], [Configuration of thepersonal computer according to this embodiment], [Examples of therecording operation in the digital camera according to this embodiment],[Examples of the image capture guide list for the digital cameraaccording to this embodiment], [Examples of the browser function of thedigital camera according to this embodiment], and [Examples of thepersonal computer according to this embodiment].

Structure of the Digital Camera System According to this Embodiment

FIG. 1 shows an example of schematic structure of the digital camerasystem according to this embodiment. Legend 100 represents the digitalcamera (image input apparatus), legend 200 represents the personalcomputer, and legend 300 represents the Web server. The digital camera100 is connected to the personal computer 200 directly or through anetwork 400. The digital camera 100 is also connected to the Web server300 through the network (e.g., the Internet) 400.

In the personal computer 200, an image capture guide list is created,and this list is transferred to the digital camera 100 as an imagecapture guide list file. In the digital camera 100, shooting isperformed by using the image capture guide list file. The digital camera100 transfers a recorded image to the personal computer 200, or uploadsthe image to the Web server 300. The digital camera 100 downloads animage capture guide list file on a home page of the Web server 300, andshooting is perform using this image capture guide list file.

The outline of the basic operations of the digital camera system will beexplained with reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B. FIG. 2 shows aflow chart for explaining the outline of the basic operations of thedigital camera system. FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B show examples of an itemlist. In FIG. 2, in the personal computer 200, a user creates an itemlist of desired pictures (step S1). FIG. 3A shows the specific exampleof the item list. This item list consists of items such as Item name,Price, and Picture. The user selects the scope of items to be writtenout as image titles in an image capture guide list from the item list,and sets a title and a file name of this image capture guide list tocreate an image capture guide list file on the personal computer 200(step S2). For example, of the item list in FIG. 3A, the user selectsthe cells of the items B3 to B15 (“Bag” to “Personal organizer”) as thescope of the items to be written out as image titles in an image captureguide list. That is, these image titles indicate the titles as targetsto be recorded in the digital camera. The user enters “Item catalog”,for example, as a title of the image capture guide list, and furtherenters “Exlist”, for example, as a file name of this image capture guidelist to create an image capture guide list file. In other words, thisfile has “Exlist” as the file name of the image capture guide list,“Item catalog” as the title of the image capture guide list, and “Bag”to “Personal organizer” as the image titles. The personal computer 200then transfers this image capture guide list file to the digital camera100 (step S3).

The digital camera 100 receives the image capture guide list file fromthe personal computer 200 (step S4). Shooting is performed for eachimage title with the digital camera 100 while viewing the image titlesin the image capture guide list on an LCD monitor of the display part(step S5). The digital camera 100 registers the taken pictures in theimage capture guide list file and transfers this guide list file of thetaken pictures to the personal computer 200 (step S6). The personalcomputer 200 receives this guide list file of the taken pictures (stepS7). In the selected scope, the scope in which these pictures are to bepasted is selected from the item list, and these pictures areautomatically pasted (step S8). In the item list in FIG. 3A, forexample, when the user selects D2 to D15 as the scope in which thepictures are to be pasted on the personal computer 200, these picturesare automatically pasted on D2 to D15 as shown in FIG. 3B.

The personal computer 200 stores the image capture guide list file in amemory card inserted into its card slot part. In the digital camera 100,on the other hand, this memory card with the image capture guide listfile recorded is inserted into a card slot part of its own, so that theimage capture guide list file can be read out.

In the personal computer 200, it is possible to create an image captureguide list file on the home page of the digital camera 100 and registerthis guide list file to the digital camera 100. Further, the personalcomputer 200 can download the image capture guide list file, in whichthe taken pictures have been registered, from the digital camera's homepage. FIG. 4 shows an example of the front screen of this home page ofthe digital camera 100.

The digital camera 100 can also input the image capture guide list fileby being downloaded through the home page in the Web server, or receivethe image capture guide list file attached to e-mail from equipmentconnected to the digital camera 100 directly or through the network 400.

Configuration of the Digital Camera According to this Embodiment

FIG. 5 shows the external structure of the digital camera. This digitalcamera has a rotatable display section 104, which can be rotated at anangle of 360 degrees. Legend 10 represents a viewfinder, legend 11 astylus pen, legend 12 a speaker, and legend 110 the card slot part.Legend 20 represents a power button, legend 21 a main shutter releasebutton through which a shooting (recording) instruction is given to thecamera, and legend 22 a zoom lever with which a magnification of a zoomlens is set. Legend 23 represents a mode dial used for selecting a mode,legend 24 a JOBNABI [J] button used for selecting an image capture guidelist, and legend 25 a DISPLAY button. Legend 26 represents a MENUbutton, legend 27 scroll buttons, legend 28 a SELECT button, and legend29 an ENTER button. Legend 30 represents a CANCEL button, legend 31 aflash button, and legend 32 a PIC button used for setting the quality ofshooting. Further, a lens and a microphone, not shown, are provided onthe rear side of the digital camera shown in FIG. 5.

The mode dial 23 is used for selecting any of the modes as follows. (1)SETUP mode used for changing and verifying camera settings. (2) Motionpicture mode used for recording motion pictures. (3) Continuous shootingmode used for performing continuous shooting while the shutter releasebutton 21 is pressed. (4) Text mode used for shooting text, andrecording in black and white by eliminating gradations. (5) Voice memomode used for recording sound. (6) Play mode used for playing backrecorded files. (7) PC mode used for connecting the camera to a PC,transmitting files from the camera to the PC, and operating the camerafrom the PC. (8) Communication mode used for transmitting recordedimages and using Internet functions.

The block diagram in FIG. 6 shows the configuration of the digitalcamera 100. Legend 100 represents the digital camera. The digital camera100 comprises a system control section 101 that controls the overalldigital camera, a camera section 102 that shoots a subject and outputsimage data, and an image data recording/playing section 103 thatperforms image processing on the image data output from the camerasection 102. The digital camera 100 also comprises a display section 104that displays image data and the like, and a voice datarecording/playing section 105 that records and plays back voice data.The digital camera 100 further comprises an operating section 106 and atouch panel operating section 107 through which the user gives anoperating instruction to the digital camera, a recording section 108that records various types of image data or the like, a PC/IF section109, the card slot section 110, and a power section 111.

The camera section 102 is provided for shooting a subject and outputtingimage data for the subject. This camera section 102 comprises lenses,such as zoom lens and focus lens, that form an image of a subject, ashutter, an iris, a motor to drive these lenses, shutter and iris, and amotor driver to drive the motor. The camera section 102 also comprises aCCD that converts the formed image of the subject to electric signals(analog image data), a CCD driving circuit that drives the CCD, a CDScircuit that reduces noise of the image data output from the CCD, and anA-to-D converter that converts the analog image data output from the CCDto digital signals, that is, digital image data.

The image data recording/playing section 103 consists of an IPP 115 anda frame memory 116. This section 103 controls the CCD driving circuit ofthe camera section 102 to adjust CCD driving timings, controls the lensdriving motor to perform focusing and exposure adjustment, and performssignal processing so as to compress and decompress image signals anddisplay the image signals on the LCD of the display section 104. Thissection 103 also produces various graphical images for a user interface,and displays the images on the LCD of the display section 104. Thedisplay section 104 has the LCD, which displays images or graphics forthe user interface.

The recording section 108 records image data, thumbnail image data,e-mail data, written data freehand, voice data, and some other data. ThePC/IF section 109 is an interface, such as RS232 or USB, through whichdata communications are performed with an external device such as a PC.The card slot section 110 is an adapter used for inserting a PC cardbased on PCMCIA into the slot. The PC card includes a communication cardwith which wireless or wired data communications are performed and amemory card or the like, which is inserted into the card slot section110.

The operating section 106 is a part through which user gives anoperating instruction to the digital camera. The operating section 106comprises the operating buttons shown in FIG. 5: power button 20,shutter release button 21, zoom lever 22, JOBNABI button 24, DISPLAYbutton 25, MENU button 26, scroll buttons 27, SELECT button 28, ENTERbutton 29, CANCEL button 30, flash button 31, the PIC button 32. Theoperating section 106 also comprises the mode dial 23, and a buttoncontrol section that detects the status of any of the operating buttonsand of the mode dial 23 to notify of the status to the system controlsection 101.

The touch panel operating section 107 comprises a touch panel sectionadhered to the LCD of the display section 104, and a panel controlsection that notifies a CPU 112 of input from the touch panel section.

The voice data recording/playing section 105 has a microphone, anamplifier, an A-to-D converter, a D-to-A converter, or the like. Thissection 105 performs A-D conversion on sound input through themicrophone and outputs it to the system control section 101 as voicedata. This section 105 also performs D-A conversion on the voice datainput from the system control section 101 and output the data from thespeaker.

The system control section 101 is a unit that controls the overalldigital camera. This section 101 comprises the CPU 112 that providesvarious controls on the digital camera using an SD-RAM 113 as a workarea according to the program stored in a FLASH-ROM 114. This section101 also comprises the FLASH-ROM 114 that stores the control program,fonts, and icons, or the like, and the SD-RAM 113 used as a work areafor the CPU 112. The system control section 101 performs memory controland controls on data communications. More specifically, the systemcontrol section 101 controls AE/AF/AWB processing, imageediting/combining processing such as retouch and superscribingcharacters, processing for image capture guide lists such as creation ofthese lists or management of folders, encryption/electronic watermarkprocessing, and display of the display section 104. The system controlsection 101 has modes: SETUP mode, Still picture mode, Motion picturemode, Continuous shooting mode, Text mode, Image capture guide listmode, Image capture guide list shooting mode, Voice memo mode, Playmode, PC mode, and Communication mode. The system control section 101controls execution of these modes.

The digital camera 100 can record still pictures, motion pictures, voicememos, and binary images. Further, the digital camera 100 has a functionof transmitting and receiving e-mails, an Web browsing function, an autoHTML creating function, and a home page server function. These functionsare performed through execution of the program stored in the FLASH-ROM114 by the CPU 112. The system control section 101 has the image captureguide list mode in which an image capture guide list is used to performshooting. This image capture guide list mode has a mode holdingfunction. The mode holding function stores mode information in theSD-RAM 113. Therefore, if the mode is switched to another mode or if thepower is turned off during execution of the operation in the imagecapture guide list mode, the suspended operation can be restarted in thepreviously selected image capture guide list mode. With the digitalcamera 100, an image capture guide list file can be created on it, andthis created image capture guide list is recorded in the recordingsection 108.

The screen of the display section 104 for each of the following modeswill be explained below: (1) Image capture guide list mode, (2)Communication mode, and (3) Memo input mode.

(1) Image Capture Guide List Mode

The display example of the image capture guide list mode on the displaysection 104 will be explained with reference to FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B.When the JOBNABI button 24 on the operating section 106 is pressed, themode is switched to the image capture guide list mode, and a list ofimage capture guide lists, that is, titles of these guide lists in theimage capture guide list file recorded in the recording section 108 isdisplayed on the display section 104. FIG. 7A shows the display exampleof the image capture guide list titles in list form on the displaysection 104. One of these image capture guide lists is selected herethrough operation of the operating section 106 such as the scrollbuttons and the SELECT button, or through operation of the touch paneloperating section 107 with the stylus pen by an operator. When one ofthese image capture guide lists is selected, a list of the image titlesin the selected image capture guide list is displayed on the displaysection 104. FIG. 7B shows a display example of the list of the imagetitles in the image capture guide list of “Business Show '98”, which hasbeen selected on the screen shown in FIG. 7A. Further, the operatorselects one of these image titles through operation of the operatingsection 106 or of the touch panel operating section 107. The mode isthen switched to the image capture guide list shooting mode (recordingmode) to be ready to shoot. This image capture guide list shooting modeindicates a state in which shooting in the image capture guide list modeis ready to be performed. In the digital camera 100, a folder is createdfor each image capture guide list, so that the files of images recordedaccording to the same image capture guide list are stored in the samefolder (see FIG. 55).

(2) Communication Mode

The display example of the communication mode on the display section 104will be explained with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. When thecommunication mode is selected through operation of the mode dial on theoperating section 106, the mode is switched to the communication mode,and the initial selection screen for the communication mode shown inFIG. 8 appears on the display section 104. Any of an e-mail mode, adirect uploading mode, a FAX mode, a WEB mode, an FTP upload mode isselected on this initial selection screen. When the WEB mode isselected, the mode is switched to the WEB mode, and a setting/verifyingscreen for connection information shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. Settingand verification of the connection information are performed on thissetting/verifying screen for the connection information. When “CONNECT”is selected, a connection to the Internet is established, and thebrowser screen is displayed.

(3) Memo Input Mode

The display example of the memo input mode on the display section 104will be explained with reference to FIG. 10 to FIG. 18. Memo informationthat can be input includes text information such as text file andfreehand characters, and voice memo information. By selecting the memoinput mode through operation of the touch panel operating section 107with the stylus pen on an image playback screen of the play mode, forexample, the memo input selection screen as shown in FIG. 10 isdisplayed. A message and menu items of the memo input mode explainedbelow are displayed on the input memo selection screen as shown in FIG.10. This message is “Select editing operation”, “Select MENU” on theactual screen, which prompts the user to select any of the menu items ofthe memo input mode. The menu items are “Keypad memo A1” indicating textmemo created using an on-screen keypad, “Voice annotation A2” indicatinga voice memo, “Pen memo A3” indicating a memo written in freehand, “Penmemo/image A4” indicating the pen memo in combination with the image,and “Pen-memo/related memo A5” indicating the pen memo as a related memoto the image. When “Keypad memo A1” is selected on the screen shown inFIG. 10, the keypad memo screen as shown in FIG. 11 appears. When a tapA10 is selected on the keypad memo screen, the on-screen keypad as shownin FIG. 12 is displayed. The user enters text through the on-screenkeypad. The system control section 101 records this entered text in therecording section 108 as a memo file.

When “Voice annotation A2” is selected on the memo input selectionscreen shown in FIG. 10, the screen for recording a voice memo as shownin FIG. 13 is displayed. When “OK B1” is selected on the voice memorecording screen, the screen of the message to prompt the user to recorda voice memo as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed. When the shutter releasebutton 21 is pressed, the “Recording” message as shown in FIG. 15appears on the screen. The user records a voice memo while pressing theshutter release button 21. When “EXIT B2” is selected on the screen inFIG. 15, the voice memo recording is finished, and the screen as shownin FIG. 16 is displayed. The system control section 101 records theinput voice memo in the recording section 108 as a voice memo file whiledisplaying this screen.

When “Pen memo A3” is selected on the memo input selection screen asshown in FIG. 10, the screen for editing only a pen memo as shown inFIG. 17 is displayed. The user selects a tool from a tool selection areaS2 on the screen only for the pen memo, and enters a freehand characterwithin a drawing area S1 using the selected tool. When a palette tool isselected from the tool selection area S2, a color palette is displayedon the screen as shown in FIG. 18, and the user selects a desired color.Accordingly, any color for the pen memo can be selected. When “Save P1”is selected on the screen in FIG. 17 or FIG. 18, the system controlsection 101 records this entered pen memo in the recording section 108as a memo file.

The outline of the basic operations of shooting with the digital camera100 will be explained below. In the camera section 102, the subjectimage formed on the CCD through the lens is converted to image data,that is, electric signals, noise is removed therefrom in the CDScircuit, and the image data is converted to digital image data in theA-to-D converter. This digital image data is input to the IPP 115, isstored in the frame memory (SD-RAM) 116. Further, this digital imagedata is subjected to image processing such as white balance adjustment,aperture correction, and gradation correction, and data compression bythe IPP 115 to be written in the frame memory (SD-RAM) 116. The datawritten in the frame memory (SD-RAM) 116 is recorded in the recordingsection 108 by the CPU 112 in a predetermined file format, such as theEXIF format.

The outline of the operation when home pages in the Web server arebrowsed through the digital camera 100 will be explained below. The WEBmode is first selected through operation of the operating section 106and the touch panel operating section 107, and the predeterminedoperation is executed. The CPU 112 then writes Web information, which isdownloaded from the Web server through the communication card in thecard slot section 110 over the network 400, in the frame memory 116 asdisplay data. The display data written in the frame memory 116 isdisplayed on the display section 104 by the IPP 115. When the shutterrelease button 21 on the operating section 106 is pressed, the IPP 115compresses the display data in the frame memory 116, and the CPU 112writes the data in the recording section 108 in a file format for shotdata, such as the EXIF format. When input of the zoom lever 22 throughthe operating section 106 is detected, the CPU 112 performs enlargementor reduction on the display data in the frame memory 116. In associationwith this performance, the display on the display section 104 ischanged, that is, enlarged or reduced (see FIG. 66 to FIG. 68).

Configuration of the Personal Computer According to this Embodiment

FIG. 19 shows the personal computer 200 in FIG. 1. The personal computer200 comprises an input section 201 that gives an operating instructionto the personal computer 200, a display section 202, a CPU 203 thatcontrols the overall device, and a data communication section 204through which data communication is performed with an external device.The personal computer 200 also comprises a recording medium drive 205that reads/writes data from/in a recording medium 206, the recordingmedium 206 that stores a program to operate the CPU 203, and RAM 207used as a work area of the CPU 203. These sections are connected to oneanother through buses.

The input section 201 comprises a keyboard with cursor keys, a numerickeypad and function keys, a mouse, and a scanner that scans images. Thisinput section 201 is not always required to locally connect to thepersonal computer 200. A remote device such as a PHS or a remoteterminal (personal digital assistant) may be used as an input unit. Anyother device, through which data communication can be bi-directionallyperformed with the personal computer 200, may also be used as an inputunit. The input section 201 is a user interface through which the usergives operation commands to the CPU 203 so as to operate. Further, theinput section 201 is not limited to the above-featured input section,but a touch panel, a track ball, or a voice recognition mechanism may beused instead.

The display section 202 is structured with a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), anLCD (Liquid Crystal Display), or a plasma display, and displays databased on the display data input from the CPU 203.

The CPU 203 comprises a 32-bit microprocessor, another microprocessor, adigital signal processor (DSP), and a programmable logic. The CPU 203 isnot always a single processor, and may be any type that performsdecentralized data processing. The CPU 203 is a central control unitthat controls the entire device according to the program stored in therecording medium 206. The CPU 203 is connected by the input section 201,the display section 202, the data communication section 204, therecording medium drive 205, and the RAM 207. The CPU 203 controls datacommunications, reading out an application program through accessing tothe memory, read/write of various types of data from/in the memory,input of data and command, and color display.

The data communication section 204 is connected to a network such as atelephone line, an ISDN (Integrated Service Digital Network), a LAN(Local Area Network), or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The datacommunication section 204 performs data communications through itsbuilt-in modem (not shown) over the telephone line. The datacommunication section 204 has an RS232C interface or an IrDA interface,and performs data communications with an external device such as adigital camera by means of cable (wired) through the RS232C interface,or by means of infrared rays (wireless) through the IrDA interface.

The recording medium 206 stores an OS program that is executable by theCPU 203 such as WINDOWS, various types of programs and data such asapplication programs. One of the application programs is a program forthe digital camera used for creation of the image capture guide list forthe digital camera, or the like. The recording medium 206 also stores amodel table in which available functions for each model of digitalcameras are registered. More specifically, this model table hasfunctions that can be used by each model, that is, model abilityinformation registered in correlation with each model code. FIG. 90shows an example of the model table. The model table has model abilityinformation for each item in each model code (i700, i800, i900). Therecording medium 206 includes optical, magnetic, and electric ones suchas a floppy disk, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, an MO, and a PCcard. The various types of programs are stored in the recording medium206 in the form of object code or source code so that the CPU 203 candirectly or indirectly interpret. The programs stored in the recordingmedium 206 can be distributed through the network.

The RAM 207 has a work memory that stores the specified program, theinput instruction, the input data and the results of processing, and adisplay memory that temporarily stores display data to be displayed onthe screen of the display section 202. A card slot section 208 is anadapter used for inserting a PC card or the like based on PCMCIA intothe slot. The memory card as the PC card is inserted into the card slotsection 208.

The program for the digital camera stored in the recording medium 206 isstarted up by the personal computer 200, an image capture guide listfile is created, and the created image capture guide list file istransferred to the digital camera 100.

EXAMPLES OF THE RECORDING OPERATION IN THE DIGITAL CAMERA ACCORDING TOTHIS EMBODIMENT

A first example to a ninth example of the recording operation in thedigital camera will be explained below.

First Example

The first example is explained with reference to FIG. 20 to FIG. 22.FIG. 20 is a flow chart for explaining the first example of therecording operation in the digital camera. FIG. 21 shows an example ofthe image capture guide list file. FIG. 22 shows an example of theformat of an image file. In the first example, the operation in thefollowing case will be explained. This case is such that a list of imagetitles in an image capture guide list is displayed, and when an imagetitle is selected from the displayed list of image titles, the mode isswitched to the image capture guide list shooting mode (recording mode),shooting is executed according to pressing of the shutter release button21 by the user, and the selected image title is added to the image fileof the shot image data obtained through shooting.

In FIG. 20, the digital camera 100 is connected to the personal computer200 to download image capture guide lists, and stores these lists in therecording section 108 (step S101). FIG. 21 shows an example of the imagecapture guide list. This image capture guide list has its list title andimage titles as targets to be recorded. The system control section 101determines whether the JOBNABI button 24 on the operating section 106has been pressed (step S102). When the button 24 has been pressed, thesystem control section 102 enters the image capture guide list mode, anddisplays a list of the image capture guide list titles stored in therecording section 108 on the display section 104 (step S103). FIG. 7Ashows the display example of the image capture guide list titles in listform on the display section 104. The operator selects one from the listof these list titles through operation of the touch panel operatingsection 107.

The system control section 101 determines whether one of these listtitles has been selected (step S104). When selection has been made, thesystem control section 101 displays a list of image titles in theselected image capture guide list on the display section 104 (stepS105). FIG. 7B shows the display example of the image titles in theimage capture guide list of “Business Show '98”, which has been selectedon the screen shown in FIG. 7A. The operator selects one out of theseimage titles through operation of the touch panel operating section 107.

The system control section 101 determines whether one of these imagetitles has been selected (step S106). When selection has been made, thesystem control section 101 shifts to the image capture guide listshooting mode (recording mode), which allows the camera to be ready toshoot (step S107). The operator selects a subject for the image title totake its picture.

Further, the system control section 101 shoots the subject in responseto pressing of the shutter release button 21 on the operating section106 (step S108). After the shooting, the system control section 101displays the message to prompt the operator to make a selection of“whether the image title is to be recorded in an EXIF file, that is, animage file of the shot image”. The system control section 101 thendetermines whether the operator has selected “Record the image title inthe EXIF file (image file) of the shot image” (step S109). When “Recordthe image title in the EXIF file of the shot image” has been selected,the system control section 101 adds the image title in the header(parameter) of the EXIF file (image file) (step S110), and stores theshot image data in the recording section 108 as the EXIF file (imagefile) (step S111).

FIG. 22 shows an example of the format of the EXIF file. The EXIF filehas a header area and an image data area, and the image title isrecorded in the header.

On the other hand, at step S109, when “Do not record the image title inthe EXIF file of the shot image” has been selected, the system controlsection 101 stores the shot image data in the recording section 108 asthe EXIF file (image file) without addition of the image title inparameters (header) of the EXIF file (step S111).

Further, the digital camera 100 transfers the image capture guide listand the file (s) recorded using this image capture guide list to thepersonal computer 200. Accordingly, the user of the personal computer200, who has created this image capture guide list, can utilize theimage(s) recorded using this image capture guide list for making areport or the like. Thus, the usability of the image capture guide listfor its creator is improved.

As explained above, according to the first example of the operation, thelist of the image titles in the image capture guide list is displayed.When an image title is selected from the displayed image titles, thesystem control section 101 shifts to the recording mode (image captureguide list shooting mode). When the shutter release button 21 ispressed, shooting is executed, and the selected image title is added inparameters of the image file of the shot image data. Accordingly, usingthe image capture guide list can prevent the user from forgetting totake required pictures during shooting, and after the shooting,erroneous correspondence between any of the images and any of the imagetitles can be prevented, thus improving usability for the user.

Second Example

The second example will be explained with reference to FIG. 23 and FIG.24. FIG. 23 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the digitalcamera 100 in the second example. FIG. 24 shows the image capture guidelist after the shooting. In this second example, the operation in thefollowing case will be explained. This case is such that a list of imagetitles in an image capture guide list file is displayed, an image titleis selected from the list of the displayed image titles, and a file ofrecorded data is stored in correlation with the selected image title.More specifically, this recorded data may be for any of still pictures,motion pictures, voice memos, and binary images, and may be obtained inany manner of still picture shooting, motion picture shooting, voicememo recording, and binary image recording.

In FIG. 23, the digital camera 100 is connected to the personal computer200 to download image capture guide lists, and stores these lists in therecording section 108 (step S121). FIG. 21 shows an example of theformat of the image capture guide list. This image capture guide listhas image titles as targets to be recorded.

The system control section 101 determines whether the JOBNABI button 24on the operating section 106 has been pressed (step S122). When thebutton 24 has been pressed, the system control section 101 shifts to theimage capture guide list mode, and displays a list of the image captureguide list titles stored in the recording section 108 on the displaysection 104 (step S123). FIG. 7A, as mentioned above, shows the displayexample of the image capture guide list titles in list form on thedisplay section 104. The operator selects one out of these list titlesthrough operation of the touch panel operating section 107.

The system control section 101 determines whether one of these listtitles has been selected (step S124). When selection has been made, thesystem control section 101 displays the list of image titles in theselected image capture guide list on the display section 104 (stepS125). FIG. 7B, as mentioned above, shows the display example of theimage titles in the image capture guide list of “Business Show '98”,which has been selected on the screen shown in FIG. 7A. The operatorselects one out of these image titles through operation of the touchpanel operating section 107.

The system control section 101 determines whether one of these imagetitles has been selected (step S126). When selection has been made, thesystem control section 101 shifts to the image capture guide listshooting mode (recording mode) to allow shooting (step S127). Whenrecording is instructed by the operator through operation of theoperating section 106 (step S128), the system control section 101displays the message to prompt the operator to make a selection ofwhether a related file is created on the display section 104.

The system control section 101 determines whether the operator hasselected “Create a related file” through the operation of the touchpanel operating section 107 (step S129). It is determined that “Create arelated file” has been selected, and if the instruction is to record astill picture (step S130), the system control section 101 shoots a stillpicture (step S134). If the instruction is to record a motion picture(step S131), the system control section 101 shoots the motion picture(step S135). If the instruction is to record a voice memo (step S132),the system control section 101 records the voice memo (step S136). Ifthe instruction is to record a binary image (step S133), the systemcontrol section 101 records the binary image (step S137), and proceedsto step S138.

At step S138, the system control section 101 executes the processing ofsaving the related file and stores the read-in recorded data in therecording section 108 as the EXIF file. The system control section 101also registers the file of this recorded data in the image capture guidelist in correlation with the selected image title. On the other hand, atstep S129, when “Do not create a related file” has been selected,shooting is executed according to the recording instruction and theread-in recorded data in the recording section 108 as an EXIF file (stepS139).

FIG. 24 shows an example of how the format of the image capture guidelist in FIG. 21, which shows before shooting, is changed after theshooting. As shown in the figure, the names of the recorded files of thedata, recorded after the image titles are selected, are registered belowthe respective image titles.

Further, the digital camera 100 transfers the image capture guide listand the file (s) recorded using this image capture guide list to thepersonal computer 200. Accordingly, the user of the personal computer200, who has created this image capture guide list, can utilize theimage(s) recorded using the image capture guide list for making a reportor the like. Thus, the usability of the image capture guide list for itscreator is improved.

As explained above, according to the second example of the operation,the recorded files of the data, that is recorded after the image titlesin the image capture guide list are selected, are registered in theimage capture guide list in correlation with the selected image titles,respectively. Accordingly, using the image capture guide list canprevent the user from forgetting to take required pictures duringshooting, and after the shooting, erroneous correspondence between anyof the images and any of the image titles can be prevented, thusimproving usability for the user.

Third Example

The third example is explained with reference to FIG. 25. The flow chartin FIG. 25 shows the operation in the digital camera 100 according tothe third example. In this third example, the operation in the followingcase will be explained. This case is such that an image title isselected from an image capture guide list, and the name of an image fileof the data for the recorded image is determined so as to include theselected image title.

In FIG. 25, the digital camera 100 is connected to the personal computer200 to download image capture guide lists, and stores these lists in therecording section 108 (step S141). FIG. 21, as mentioned above, shows anexample of the image capture guide list. This image capture guide listincludes its list title and image titles as targets to be recorded. Thesystem control section 101 determines whether the JOBNABI button 24 onthe operating section 106 has been pressed (step S142). When the button24 has been pressed, the system control section 102 enters the imagecapture guide list mode, and displays a list of the image capture guidelist titles stored in the recording section 108 on the display section104 (step S143).

FIG. 7A, as mentioned above, shows the display example of the imagecapture guide list titles in list form. The operator selects one out ofthese list titles through operation of the touch panel operating section107. The system control section 101 determines whether one of these listtitles has been selected (step S144). When selection has been made, thesystem control section 101 displays a list of image titles in theselected image capture guide list on the display section 104 (stepS145). FIG. 7B, as mentioned above, shows the display example of theimage titles in the image capture guide list of “Business Show '98”,which has been selected on the screen shown in FIG. 7A. The operatorselects one out of these image titles through operation of the touchpanel operating section 107.

The system control section 101 determines whether one of these imagetitles has been selected (step S146). When selection has been made, thesystem control section 101 shifts to the image capture guide listshooting mode (recording mode) to allow shooting (step S147).Accordingly, the user can be prevented from forgetting to take anysubject relating to the image title. The system control section 101shoots the subject according to the operation of the shutter releasebutton 21 on the operating section 106 (step S148).

After the shooting, the system control section 101 displays the messageto prompt the operator to make a selection on “whether the image titleis included in its file name” on the display section 104. The systemcontrol section 101 then determines whether the operator has selected“Include the image title in its file name” through the operation of thetouch panel section 107 (step S149). When “Include the image title inits file name” has been selected, the system control section 101proceeds to step S150, and determines whether there are plural images onthis title. When it is determined that there are no plural images, thesystem control section 101 proceeds to step S152. On the other hand,when there are plural images, the system control section 101 proceeds tostep S151, performs serial-numbering on their file names, and proceedsto step S152. More specifically, if “Picture No. 1” includes threepieces of images, the serial-numbering is performed by assigning numbersto the pictures like “Picture No. 1-1”, “Picture No. 1-2”, and “PictureNo. 1-3”.

At step S152, the system control section 101 reads out the selectedimage title to set the name of the image file to the file name includingthis image title (step S152), and stores the shot image file in therecording section 108 as an EXIF file (step S153).

On the other hand, at step S149, when “Include the image title in itsfile name” has not been selected, the system control section 101 storesthe shot image file in the recording section 108 as an EXIF file with anordinary file name not including its image title (step S153).

A concrete example of a file name including its image title will beexplained below. If an image title of “RICOH” is selected and a piece ofimage is shot, its file name will be “RICOH.jpg”. If an image title of“CAMON” is selected and three pieces of images are shot, their filenames will be serial-numbered as “CAMON01.jpg”, “CAMON02.jpg”, and“CAMON03.jpg”.

Further, the digital camera 100 transfers the image capture guide listand the file (s) recorded using this image capture guide list to thepersonal computer 200. Accordingly, the user of the personal computer200, who has created this image capture guide list, can utilize theimage(s) recorded using this image capture guide list for making areport or the like. Thus, the usability of the image capture guide listfor its creator is improved.

As explained above, according to the third example, the list of theimage titles in the image capture guide list is displayed on the displaysection 104. An image title is selected from the displayed image titles,and this image title is included in at least a part of a file name ofthe image data obtained through shooting executed after the selection ofthis image title. Accordingly, using the image capture guide list canprevent the user from forgetting to take required pictures duringshooting, and after the shooting, erroneous correspondence between anyof the images and any of the image titles can be prevented, thusimproving usability for the user.

Fourth Example

The fourth example will be explained with reference to FIG. 26, FIG. 27Aand FIG. 27B. FIG. 26 is a flow chart for explaining the operation inthe digital camera 100 according to the fourth example. FIG. 27A andFIG. 27B show the case in which a selected image title is superposed onimage data. In this fourth example, the operation in the following casewill be explained. This case is such that an image title is selectedfrom an image capture guide list and then the image title is superposedon the shot image data.

In FIG. 26, the digital camera 100 is connected to the personal computer200 to download image capture guide lists, and stores these lists in therecording section 108 (step S161). FIG. 21, as mentioned above, shows anexample of the image capture guide list. This image capture guide listincludes image titles indicating targets to be recorded. The systemcontrol section 101 determines whether the JOBNABI button 24 on theoperating section 106 has been pressed (step S162). When the button 24has been pressed, the system control section 102 enters the imagecapture guide list mode, and displays a list of the image capture guidelist titles stored in the recording section 108 on the display section104 (step S163).

FIG. 7A shows the display example of the image capture guide list titlesin list form on the display section 104. The operator selects one out ofthese list titles through operation of the touch panel operating section107. The system control section 101 determines whether one of these listtitles has been selected (step S164). When selection has been made, thesystem control section 101 displays a list of image titles in theselected image capture guide list on the display section 104 (stepS165).

FIG. 7B, as mentioned above, shows the display example of the imagetitles in the image capture guide list of “Business Show '98”, which hasbeen selected on the screen shown in FIG. 7A. The operator selects oneout of these image titles through operation of the touch panel operatingsection 107.

The system control section 101 determines whether one of these imagetitles has been selected (step S166). When selection has been made, thesystem control section 101 shifts to the image capture guide listshooting mode (recording mode) to allow shooting (step S167).Accordingly, the user can be prevented from forgetting to take anysubject relating to the image title. Shooting is executed according tothe operation of the shutter release button 21 on the operating section106 (step S168).

After the shooting, the system control section 101 displays the messageto prompt the operator to make a selection of whether the image title issuperposed on the shot image, on the display section 104. The systemcontrol section 101 then determines whether the operator has selected“Superpose the image title on the shot image” through the operation ofthe operating section 106 (step S169). When “Superpose the image titleon the recorded image” has been selected, the system control section 101superposes the image title on the shot image to create an image file ofthe composite image (step S170). The system control section 101 thenstores this image file in the recording section 108 as an EXIF file(step S171). On the other hand, at step S169, when “Superpose the imagetitle on the shot image” has not been selected, the system controlsection 101 stores the shot image in the recording section 108 as anEXIF file (step S171).

FIG. 27A and FIG. 27B show the composite image obtained by superposingthe image title on the shot image data. For example, if “RICOH” isselected as an image title and then the image as shown in FIG. 27A isshot, the image title of “RICOH” is superposed on the image in FIG. 27Ato create the composite image as shown in FIG. 27B.

Further, the digital camera 100 transfers the image capture guide listand the recorded file recorded using this image capture guide list tothe personal computer 200. Accordingly, the user of the personalcomputer 200, who has created this image capture guide list, can utilizethe image(s) recorded using this image capture guide list for making areport or the like. Thus, the usability of the image capture guide listfor its creator is improved.

As explained above, according to the fourth example, the image captureguide list is displayed on the display section 104. An image title isselected from the displayed image capture guide list, and this imagetitle is superposed on the image data obtained through shooting executedafter the selection of the image title. Accordingly, using the imagecapture guide list can prevent the user from forgetting to take requiredpictures during shooting, and after the shooting, erroneouscorrespondence between any of the images and any of the image titles canbe prevented, thus improving usability for the user.

Fifth Example

The fifth example will be explained with reference to FIG. 28 and FIG.29. FIG. 28 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the digitalcamera 100 according to the fifth example. FIG. 29 shows the displayexample of the display section 104. In this fifth example, the operationin the following case will be explained. This case is such that an imagecapture guide list is displayed on the display section 104, the userselects an image title from the displayed image capture guide list andtakes its picture while viewing the selected image title.

In FIG. 28, the digital camera 100 is connected to the personal computer200 to download image capture guide lists, and stores these lists in therecording section 108 (step S181). FIG. 21, as mentioned above, shows anexample of the image capture guide list. This image capture guide listhas image titles as targets to be recorded. The system control section101 determines whether the JOBNBI button 24 on the operating section 106has been pressed (step S182). When the button 24 has been pressed, thesystem control section 102 enters the image capture guide list mode, anddisplays a list of the image capture guide list titles stored in therecording section 108 on the display section 104 (step S183).

FIG. 7A, as mentioned above, shows the display example of the imagecapture guide list titles in list form on the display section 104. Theoperator selects one out of these list titles through operation of thetouch panel operating section 107. The system control section 101determines whether one of these list titles has been selected (stepS184). When selection has been made, the system control section 101displays a list of image titles in the selected image capture guide liston the display section 104 (step S185). FIG. 7B shows the displayexample of the image titles in the image capture guide list of “BusinessShow '98”, which has been selected on the screen shown in FIG. 7A. Theoperator selects one out of these image titles through operation of thetouch panel operating section 107.

The system control section 101 determines whether one of these imagetitles has been selected (step S186). When selection has been made, thesystem control section 101 enters the image capture guide list shootingmode (recording mode) and displays the monitoring image of a subject onthe display section 104 (step S187). In this case, the selected imagetitle is also displayed on a part of the display section 104 togetherwith the monitoring image of the subject. FIG. 29 shows an example of adisplay screen when an image title of “Picture of Entrance” is selectedon the screen shown in FIG. 7B. As shown in FIG. 29, the monitoringimage of the subject and the image title of “Picture of Entrance” aredisplayed on the display section 104.

Shooting is executed according to pressing of the shutter release button21 on the operating section 106, and the shot image is stored in therecording section 108 as an image file in the EXIF format (step S188).The system control section 101 determines whether shooting of all imagesfor the image titles has been finished (step S189). When it isdetermined that the images for the image titles have been recorded, theprocessing is returned. On the other hand, when the shooting of allimages for the image titles has not been completed, the system controlsection 101 returns to step S185, and repeats the same processing untilall images for the image title have been shot (step S185 to step S189).

Further, the digital camera 100 transfers the image capture guide listand the recorded file(s) recorded using this image capture guide list tothe personal computer 200. Accordingly, the user of the personalcomputer 200, who has created this image capture guide list, can utilizethe image(s) recorded using this image capture guide list for making areport or the like. Thus, the usability of the image capture guide listfor its creator is improved.

As explained above, according to the fifth example, the image captureguide list is displayed on the display section 104. The user selects animage title from the displayed image capture guide list, and thisselected image title is displayed together with a monitoring image forthis title. Accordingly, the user can take pictures while viewing theimage titles. Therefore, forgetting to take required pictures can beprevented, thus improving usability for the user.

Sixth Example

The sixth example will be explained with reference to FIG. 30. The flowchart in FIG. 30 shows the operation in the digital camera 100 accordingto the sixth example. In this sixth example, the operation in thefollowing case will be explained. This case is such that image titles inthe image capture guide list are displayed, and when one of these titlesis selected and shooting for the selected title is executed, a checkmarkis registered in the image title on its side, and the number of shotimages for the image title is displayed.

In FIG. 30, the digital camera 100 is connected to the personal computer200 to download image capture guide lists, and stores these lists in therecording section 108 (step S191). The image capture guide list hasimage titles as targets to be recorded. The system control section 101determines whether the JOBNABI button 24 on the operating section 106has been pressed (step S192). When the button 24 has been pressed, thesystem control section 102 enters the image capture guide list mode, anddisplays a list of the image capture guide list titles stored in therecording section 108 on the display section 104 (step S193).

FIG. 7A, as mentioned above, shows the display example of the imagecapture guide list titles in list form on the display section 104. Theoperator selects one out of these list titles through operation of thetouch panel operating section 107. The system control section 101determines whether one of these list titles has been selected (stepS194). When selection has been made, the system control section 101displays a list of image titles in the selected image capture guide liston the display section 104 (step S195). FIG. 7B shows the displayexample of the image titles in the image capture guide list of “BusinessShow '98”, which has been selected on the screen shown in FIG. 7A. Theoperator selects one out of these image titles through operation of thetouch panel operating section 107. The system control section 101determines whether one of these image titles has been selected (stepS196).

After the determination, the system control section 101 enters the imagecapture guide list shooting mode (recording mode) to allow shooting(step S197), and displays the monitoring image on the display section104. Shooting is executed according to pressing of the shutter releasebutton 21 on the operating section 106 (step S198), and the shot imageis stored in the recording section 108 as an image file in the EXIFformat. When an image title is selected, the system control section 101marks the selected image title and displays the number of shot images(step S199).

The system control section 101 determines whether shooting of all imagesfor the displayed image titles has been finished (step S200). When it isdetermined that all images for the displayed image title have been shot,the processing is returned. On the other hand, when the shooting of allimages for the image titles has not been completed, the system controlsection 101 returns to step S195, and repeats the same processing untilall the images for the image titles have been shot (step S195 to stepS200).

A concrete display example of the display section 104 according to thesixth example will be explained with reference to FIG. 31. FIG. 7B, asmentioned above, shows a selection screen for the image titles in theimage capture guide list. In FIG. 7B, “Select an image title from theimage capture guide list” as a message to prompt to the operator toselect an image title from the image capture guide list is displayed onthe display section 104. In addition to this, the image capture guidelist of “Business Show '98” and a list of its image titles such as“Picture of Entrance”, “CAMON”, “XELOX”, and “NCC” are displayed.Further, the number of shot images for each of the image titles isdisplayed on its right side. When the user selects an image title andtakes a picture for this title, a checkmark (the color of a circle onthe left is changed) is entered in the selected image title, as shown inFIG. 31, and the number of shot images for each of the image titles isdisplayed on its right side. The example in FIG. 31 shows a case where“Picture of Entrance” has been selected as an image title and onepicture for this title has been taken. When this checkmark is againselected through the operation of the touch panel operating section 107with the stylus pen, the system control section 101 deletes thischeckmark.

Further, the digital camera 100 transfers the image capture guide listand the recorded file(s) recorded using this image capture guide list tothe personal computer 200. Accordingly, the user of the personalcomputer 200, who has created this image capture guide list, can utilizethe image(s) recorded using this image capture guide list for making areport or the like. Thus, the usability of the image capture guide listfor its creator is improved.

As explained above, according to the sixth example, the image titles inthe image capture guide list are displayed on the display section 104.When one of these image titles has been selected and shooting for theselected title has been executed, a checkmark and the number of shotimages are entered in the image title. Accordingly, using the imagecapture guide list can prevent the user from forgetting to take requiredpictures, thus improving usability for the user.

Seventh Example

The seventh example will be explained with reference to FIG. 32. Theflow chart in FIG. 32 shows the operation in the digital camera 100according to the seventh example. FIG. 8, as mentioned above, shows theselection screen for the communication mode, and FIG. 9, as mentionedabove, shows the setting screen for the WEB mode. In this seventhexample, an example of the operation in the following case will beexplained. This case is such that the digital camera 100 downloads animage capture guide list file from the home page in the Web server 300through the Web browser, and shooting is executed according to thisimage capture guide list file.

In FIG. 32, in the digital camera, it is determined whether the Web modeis available (step S211). When the WEB mode is available, it isdetermined whether a file can be downloaded from the home page in thismode (step S212). When a file can be download from the home page in thismode, it is determined whether the image capture guide list on the homepage is adequate for its own model (step S213). More specifically,whether or not the list is adequate for the model is determined byreferring to, for example, the extension in the image capture guide listfile. When the list is adequate for its own model, the processingproceeds to step S214, and an attachment file on the home page as animage capture guide list is downloaded. It is determined whether theimage capture guide list mode is available (step S215). When the imagecapture guide list mode is available, the digital camera downloads thecontents of the image capture guide list such as image titles and thesizes of the images to be pasted (step S216).

Shooting is performed according to the instruction of the image captureguide list (step S217). It is determined whether shooting of all imagesfor the image titles has been finished (step S218). When it isdetermined that the shooting of all images for the image titles has notbeen completed, the processing proceeds to step S214, and the sameprocessing is repeated until all images for the image title have beenshot (step S214 to step S218).

As explained above, according to the seventh example, the digital camera100 downloads the image capture guide list file from the home page inthe Web server through the Web browser. Shooting is then performedaccording to the downloaded image capture guide list file. Therefore,the image capture guide list can easily be acquired, and shooting can beexecuted according to this image capture guide list. Accordingly,forgetting to take required pictures can be prevented, and shooting canbe executed according to the instruction by an instructor or the creatorwho has created this image capture guide list.

Eighth Example

The eighth example will be explained with reference to FIG. 33. The flowchart in FIG. 33 shows the operation in the digital camera 100 accordingto the eighth example. In this eighth example, the operation in thefollowing case will be explained. This case is such that the digitalcamera 100 receives an image capture guide list file by e-mail through anetwork, and shooting is executed according to this received imagecapture guide list file.

In FIG. 33, In the digital camera, it is determined whether e-mail hasbeen received (step S221). When e-mail has been received, the processingproceeds to step S222, and it is determined whether the contents of thereceived e-mail are an image capture guide list. When it is determinedthat the contents are the image capture guide list, it is determinedwhether this image capture guide list is adequate for its own model(step S223). When this image capture guide list is the adequate one, thedigital camera downloads the attachment file as the image capture guidelist (step S224). More specifically, whether or not the image captureguide list file is adequate for the model is determined by referring to,for example, the extension in the image capture guide list file. It isthen determined whether the image capture guide list shooting mode isavailable (step S225). When the image capture guide list shooting modeis available, the digital camera downloads the contents of the imagecapture guide list such as image titles and the size for pasting (stepS226).

Shooting is performed according to the instruction of the image captureguide list (step S227). It is determined whether shooting of all imagesfor the image titles has been finished (step S228). When it isdetermined that the shooting has not been completed, the processingproceeds to step S224, and the same processing is repeated until all theimages for the image title have been shot (step S224 to step S228).

As explained above, according to the eighth example, the digital camera100 receives the image capture guide list by e-mail, and shooting isperformed according to the received image capture guide list. Therefore,the image capture guide list can easily be acquired, and shooting can beperformed according to this image capture guide list. Accordingly,forgetting to take required pictures can be prevented, and shootingsubjects can be executed according to the instruction by an instructoror the creator who has created this image capture guide list.

Ninth Example

The ninth example is explained with reference to FIG. 34. The flow chartin FIG. 34 shows the operation in the digital camera according to theninth example. In this ninth example, the operation in the followingcase will be explained. This case is such that a list of image titles inan image capture guide list is displayed, and when an image title isselected from the displayed image titles, the mode is switched to therecording mode (image capture guide list shooting mode), shooting isexecuted according to pressing of the shutter release button 21, and anHTML file of the shot image data is automatically created.

In FIG. 34, the digital camera 100 is connected to the personal computer200 to download image capture guide lists, and stores these lists in therecording section 108 (step S231). FIG. 21 shows an example of the imagecapture guide list. This image capture guide list has image titles astargets to be recorded. The system control section 101 determineswhether the JOBNABI button 24 on the operating section 106 has beenpressed (step S232). When the button 24 has been pressed, the systemcontrol section 102 enters the image capture guide list mode, anddisplays a list of the image capture guide list titles stored in therecording section 108 on the display section 104 (step S233). FIG. 7Ashows the display example of the image capture guide list titles in listform on the display section 104. The operator selects one out of theselist titles through operation of the touch panel operating section 107.

The system control section 101 determines whether one of these listtitles has been selected (step S234). When selection has been made, thesystem control section 101 displays a list of image titles in theselected image capture guide list on the display section 104 (stepS235). FIG. 7B shows the display example of the image titles in theimage capture guide list of “Business Show '98”, which has been selectedon the screen shown in FIG. 7A. The operator selects one out of theseimage titles through operation of the touch panel operating section 107.

The system control section 101 determines whether one of these imagetitles has been selected (step S236). When selection has been made, thesystem control section 101 shifts to the shooting mode to allow shootingto be ready (step S237). The operator selects a subject for the imagetitle to take its picture.

Further, the system control section 101 shoots the subject according topressing of the shutter release button 21 on the operating section 106(step S238), and stores the data for the shot image in the recordingsection 108 as an EXIF file (image file) (step S239).

The system control section 101 creates an HTML file that transfers theshot image data to an HTML file (step S240), and saves the created HTMLfile in the recording section 108 (step S241). The system controlsection 101 determines whether uploading of the HTML file to the Webserver has been instructed by the user through operation of theoperating section 106 (step S242). When such an instruction has beenissued, the system control section 101 uploads the HTML file to the Webserver (step S243).

Further, the digital camera 100 transfers the image capture guide listand the file (s) recorded using this image capture guide list to thepersonal computer 200. Accordingly, the user of the personal computer200, who has created this image capture guide list, can utilize theimage(s) recorded using this image capture guide list for making areport or the like. Thus, the usability of the image capture guide listfor its creator is improved.

As explained above, according to the ninth example of the operation, thelist of the image titles in the image capture guide list is displayed.When an image title is selected from the displayed image titles, thesystem control section 101 shifts to the recording mode (image captureguide list shooting mode). Shooting is executed according to pressing ofthe shutter release button 21, and the HTML file of the data for therecorded image is automatically created. Accordingly, using the imagecapture guide list can prevent the user from forgetting to take requiredpictures during shooting, and after the shooting, the HTML file canautomatically be created, thus improving usability for the user.

EXAMPLES OF THE IMAGE CAPTURE GUIDE LIST FOR THE DIGITAL CAMERAACCORDING TO THIS EMBODIMENT

A first example to a twentieth example of the image capture guide listfor the digital camera 100 will be explained below. The image captureguide list has included its title and image titles indicating targets tobe recorded. Further, this image capture guide list may additionallyinclude shooting instruction information, such as text, voice memo ordrawings, that provides a shooting procedure or an operating instructionfor each of the image titles to a photographer. This guide list may alsoinclude automatic processing instruction information (operationinstructing commands) that provides an instruction for automaticsettings of setting conditions when recording a target to be recordedfor an image title, or an instruction for necessary processing afterrecording.

First Example

The first example is explained with reference to FIG. 35 to FIG. 37. Theflow chart in FIG. 35 shows the operation in the digital camera 100according to the first example. FIG. 36 and FIG. 37 show the shootinginstruction information. In this first example, the operation in thefollowing case will be explained. This case is such that image titles inan image capture guide list is displayed, one of these titles isselected, shooting instruction information (instructions for how toshoot and for post-shooting processing), corresponding to the selectedimage title is displayed, and the user takes its picture based on thedisplayed shooting method and performs the processing according to thedisplayed instruction for post-shooting processing.

In order to identify between the shooting instruction information forpre-shooting and the shooting instruction information for post-shooting,an identifier is added to the end of the image title. An identifier “A”represents the shooting instruction information for pre-shooting, whilean identifier “B” represents the shooting instruction information forpost-shooting. The system control section 101 determines which of theidentifiers is added to the image title. When the identifier “A” isadded, the system control section 101 notifies the user of the shootinginstruction information before shooting, and notifies the user of theshooting instruction information for post-shooting processing after theshooting when the identifier “B” is added.

For example, in the case of the image capture guide list as shown inFIG. 36, if “Bag No. 1” is selected as an image title, the message“Enter the name of the photographer as memo information” is displayed onthe display section 104 after the shooting. If “Bag No. 2” is selected,the message “Shoot the subject with a sophisticated feeling” isdisplayed on the display section 104 before the shooting.

FIG. 89 shows an example of the item list on the personal computer 200.In FIG. 89, the operator selects the scope of “Item” as an image titleon the personal computer 200, and further selects “Shooting instruction(which is provided before shooting)” as shooting instructioninformation. An image capture guide list file is created by insertingthe identifier “A”, which represents the shooting instructioninformation for pre-shooting such as the instruction for how to shoot,between the image title of the image capture guide list and thisshooting instruction information. The setting of the list title and thefile name may also be required when creating the image capture guidelist file.

In FIG. 35, the digital camera 100 is connected to the personal computer200 to download image capture guide lists, and stores these lists in therecording section 108 (step S301). Each of these lists includes imagetitles as targets to be recorded, and further, respective shootinginstruction information (instructions for how to shoot and forpost-shooting processing) registered therein in text form in correlationwith these image titles.

The system control section 101 determines whether the JOBNABI button 24on the operating section 106 has been pressed (step S302). When thebutton 24 has been pressed, the system control section 102 enters theimage capture guide list mode, and displays a list of the image captureguide list titles stored in the recording section 108 on the displaysection 104 (step S303). The operator selects one out of these listtitles through operation of the touch panel operating section 107. Thesystem control section 101 determines whether one of these list titleshas been selected (step S304).

When selection has been made, the system control section 101 displays alist of image titles in the selected image capture guide list on thedisplay section 104 (step S305). The system control section 101determines whether one of these image titles has been selected (stepS306). When one of these image titles has been selected, the systemcontrol section 101 shifts to the image capture guide list shooting mode(recording mode) to allow shooting. The system control section 101determines whether there is any shooting instruction information for theselected image title in the image capture guide list (step S307).

When it is determined that there is the shooting instruction informationfor the selected image title in the image capture guide list, the systemcontrol section 101 then determines whether the shooting instructioninformation is an instruction for how to shoot (step S308). When it isdetermined that the information is not such an instruction, the systemcontrol section 101 proceeds to step S310, while proceeds to step S309when it is determined that the information is such an instruction. Atstep S309, the system control section 101 displays the instruction forhow to shoot as shooting instruction information for the selected imagetitle on the display section 104. Accordingly, the user can select asubject for the image title to take its picture based on the displayedinstruction for how to shoot.

Shooting is executed according to pressing of the shutter release button21 on the operating section 106 (step S310). If there are pluralshooting points, shooting is performed plural times. The system controlsection 101 determines whether the shooting has been finished (stepS311). When it is determined that the shooting has been finished, thesystem control section 101 determines whether the shooting instructioninformation for the selected image title is an instruction forpost-shooting processing (step S312). When it is determined that theinstruction is not such an instruction, the system control section 101proceeds to step S315, and saves the shot image in the recording section108 as an image file.

On the other hand, at step S312, when it is determined that the shootinginstruction information for the selected image title is the instructionfor post-shooting processing, the system control section 101 proceeds tostep S313, and displays the instruction for the post-shooting processingas the shooting instruction information on the display section 104.Accordingly, the user can perform the processing based on theinstruction for post-shooting processing.

The operator gives instructions for execution of the instructedpost-shooting processing to the system control section 101 through theoperating section 106. The system control section 101 executes theinstructed post-shooting processing (step S314). The instruction for thepost-shooting processing includes an instruction to enter a memo, forexample. The system control section 101 saves the image, that has beensubjected to the processing as instructed, in the recording section 108as an image file (step S315).

On the other hand, at step S307, when it is determined that there is noshooting instruction information for the selected image title in theimage capture guide list, the system control section 101 proceeds tostep S306, executes the processing for shooting in the normal imagecapture guide list mode, and stores the shot image in the recordingsection 108 as an image file (step S307).

Further, the digital camera 100 transfers the image capture guide listand the file (s) recorded using this image capture guide list to thepersonal computer 200. Accordingly, the user of the personal computer200, who has created this image capture guide list, can utilize theimage(s) recorded using this image capture guide list for making areport or the like. Thus, the usability of the image capture guide listfor its creator is improved.

FIG. 89 shows an example of the item list on the personal computer 200.In FIG. 89, the operator selects the scope of “Item” as an image titleon the personal computer 200, and further selects “Shooting instruction(which is provided before shooting)” as shooting instructioninformation. An image capture guide list file is created by insertingthe identifier “A”, which represents the shooting instructioninformation for pre-shooting, between the image title and this shootinginstruction information. The setting of the list title and the file namemay also be required when creating the image capture guide list file.

The shooting instruction information is not limited to the text, but adrawing, for example, may be used. FIG. 37 shows an example of thedrawing as the shooting instruction information, and particularly showsthe drawing for guidance of how to shoot such as shooting points. Inaccordance with this drawing, the user can select subjects according tothe instruction for how to shoot (shooting points) shown in thisdrawing, and take pictures of these. Although the instruction forpost-shooting processing is shown here as the shooting instructioninformation, any instruction for processing to be performedsimultaneously with shooting, such as the processing for measuring adistance, may be provided. When the instruction for processing to beperformed simultaneously with shooting is provided, the instruction isdisplayed before shooting. Accordingly, the user can give instructionsfor execution of the processing to be performed simultaneously withshooting to the digital camera.

As explained above, according to the first example, the image titles inthe image capture guide list are displayed. An image title is selectedfrom the displayed image titles, and the shooting instructioninformation for the selected image title (instructions for how to shootand for post-shooting processing) is displayed. The user takes picturesbased on the displayed method for shooting and performs the processingbased on the instruction for the displayed post-shooting processing.Accordingly, the user can perform shooting and its post-shootingprocessing based on the displayed shooting instruction information.Therefore, shooting and post-shooting processing can be performed basedon the instruction by the creator, who has created the image captureguide list, or an instructor.

Second Example

The second example is explained with reference to FIG. 38. The flowchart in FIG. 38 shows the operation in the digital camera 100 accordingto the second example. In this second example, the operation in thefollowing case will be explained. This case is such that shootinginstruction information (instructions for how to shoot and processingfor post-shooting processing), corresponding to each of selected imagetitles in an image capture guide list, is output by voice, and the usertakes pictures based on the voice instruction for how to shoot, andperforms the processing based on the voice instruction for post-shootingprocessing.

In FIG. 38, the digital camera 100 is connected to the personal computer200 to download image capture guide lists, and stores these lists in therecording section 108 (step S321). Each of these lists includes imagetitles as targets to be recorded, and further, respective shootinginstruction information (instruction for how to shoot and instructionfor post-shooting processing) registered therein as voice information incorrelation with each of these image titles.

The system control section 101 determines whether the JOBNABI button 24on the operating section 106 has been pressed (step S322). When thebutton 24 has been pressed, the system control section 102 enters theimage capture guide list mode, and displays a list of the image captureguide list titles stored in the recording section 108 on the displaysection 104 (step S323). The operator selects one out of these listtitles through operation of the touch panel operating section 107. Thesystem control section 101 determines whether one of these list titleshas been selected (step S324).

When selection has been made, the system control section 101 displays alist of image titles in the selected image capture guide list on thedisplay section 104 (step S325). The operator selects one of these imagetitles through the operation of the touch panel operating section 107.The system control section 101 determines whether one of these imagetitles has been selected (step S326). When selection has been made, thesystem control section 101 enters the shooting mode to allow shooting.The system control section 101 determines whether there is any shootinginstruction information for the selected image title in the imagecapture guide list (step S327).

When it is determined that there is the shooting instruction informationfor the selected image title in the image capture guide list, the systemcontrol section 101 then determines whether the shooting instructioninformation is an instruction for how to shoot (step S328). When it isdetermined that the information is not such an instruction, the systemcontrol section 101 proceeds to step S330, while proceeds to step S329when it is determined that the information is such an instruction. Atstep S329, the system control section 101 outputs the instruction forhow to shoot as shooting instruction information for the selected imagetitle in the image capture guide list by voice from the voice datarecording/playing section 105 (step S329). Accordingly, the user canselect a subject for the image title to take its picture based on thevoice instruction for how to shoot.

Shooting is executed according to pressing of the shutter release button21 on the operating section 106 (step S330). If there are pluralshooting points, shooting is performed plural times. The system controlsection 101 determines whether the shooting has been finished (stepS331). When it is determined that the shooting has been finished, thesystem control section 101 determines whether the shooting instructioninformation for the selected image title is an instruction forpost-shooting processing (step S332). When it is determined that theinformation is not such an instruction, the system control section 101proceeds to step S335, and saves the shot image in the recording section108 as an image file.

On the other hand, at step S335, when it is determined that the shootinginstruction information for the selected image title is the instructionfor post-shooting processing, the system control section 101 proceeds tostep S333, and outputs the instruction for post-shooting processing(shooting instruction information) by voice from the voice datarecording/playing section 105. Accordingly, the user can perform theprocessing based on the instruction for post-shooting processing.

The operator gives instructions for execution of the instructedpost-shooting processing to the system control section 101 through theoperating section 106. The system control section 101 executes theinstructed post-shooting processing (step S334). The instruction for thepost-shooting processing includes an instruction to enter a memo, forexample. The system control section 101 saves the image, that has beensubjected to the processing as instructed, in the recording section 108as an image file (step S335).

On the other hand, at step S327, when it is determined that there is noshooting instruction information for the selected image title in theimage capture guide list, the system control section 101 proceeds tostep S336. Shooting is executed in the normal image capture guide listmode (step S336), and the shot image is stored in the recording section108 as an image file (step S337).

Although the instruction for post-shooting processing is shown here asthe shooting instruction information, any instruction for processing tobe performed simultaneously with shooting, such as the processing formeasuring a distance, may be provided. When the instruction forprocessing to be performed simultaneously with shooting is provided, thevoice instruction is output before shooting. Accordingly, the user cangive instructions for execution of the processing to be performedsimultaneously with shooting to the digital camera.

Further, the digital camera 100 transfers the image capture guide listand the file(s) recorded using this image capture guide list to thepersonal computer 200. Accordingly, the user of the personal computer200, who has created this image capture guide list, can utilize theimage(s) recorded using this image capture guide list for making areport or the like. Thus, the usability of the image capture guide listfor its creator is improved.

As explained above, according to the second example, the user selectsone of the image titles in the image capture guide list. The shootinginstruction information (instructions for how to shoot and forpost-shooting processing), corresponding to the selected image title inthe image capture guide list, is output by voice. The user then takespictures based on the voice instruction for how to shoot and performsthe processing based on the voice instruction for post-shootingprocessing. Accordingly, the user can perform shooting and post-shootingprocessing based on the shooting instruction information output byvoice. Therefore, shooting and post-shooting processing can be performedbased on the instruction by the creator, who has created the imagecapture guide list, or its instructor.

Third Example

The third example is explained with reference to FIG. 39. The flow chartin FIG. 39 shows the operation in the digital camera 100 according tothe third example. In this third example, the operation in the followingcase will be explained. This case is such that the shooting instructioninformation (instructions for how to shoot and for post-shootingprocessing), corresponding to each of selected image titles in an imagecapture guide list, is played as motion pictures, and the user takespictures according to the instruction for how to shoot played as motionpictures, and performs the processing according to the instruction forpost-shooting processing played as motion pictures.

In FIG. 39, the digital camera 100 is connected to the personal computer200 to download image capture guide lists, and stores these lists in therecording section 108 (step S341). Each of these lists has its listtitle, image titles as targets to be recorded, and further, respectiveshooting instruction information (instructions for how to shoot and forpost-recording processing) registered therein as motion pictures incorrelation with each of these image titles.

The system control section 101 determines whether the JOBNABI button 24on the operating section 106 has been pressed (step S342). When thebutton 24 has been pressed, the system control section 102 enters theimage capture guide list mode, and displays a list of the image captureguide list titles stored in the recording section 108 on the displaysection 104 (step S343). The user selects one out of these list titles.The system control section 101 determines whether one of these listtitles has been selected (step S344).

When selection has been made, the system control section 101 displays alist of image titles in the selected image capture guide list on thedisplay section 104 (step S345). The user selects one out of these imagetitles through the operation of the touch panel operating section 107.The system control section 101 determines whether one of these imagetitles has been selected (step S346). When selection has been made, thesystem control section 101 enters the image capture guide list shootingmode (recording mode) to allow shooting. The system control section 101determines whether there is any shooting instruction information for theselected image title in the image capture guide list (step S347).

When it is determined that there is the shooting instruction informationfor the selected image title in the image capture guide list, the systemcontrol section 101 then determines whether the shooting instructioninformation is an instruction for how to shoot (step S348). When it isdetermined that the information is not such an instruction, the systemcontrol section 101 proceeds to step S350, while proceeds to step S349when it is determined that the information is such an instruction. Atstep S349, the system control section 101 plays the instruction asmotion pictures for how to shoot (shooting instruction information)corresponding to the selected image title in the image capture guidelist on the display section 104. Accordingly, the user can select asubject for the image title to take its picture based on the instructionfor how to shoot.

At step S350, shooting is executed according to pressing of the shutterrelease button 21 on the operating section 106. If there are pluralshooting points, shooting is performed plural times. The system controlsection 101 determines whether the shooting has been finished (stepS351). When it is determined that the shooting has been finished, thesystem control section 101 determines whether the shooting instructioninformation for the selected image title is an instruction forpost-shooting processing (step S352). When it is determined that theinformation is not such an instruction, the system control section 101proceeds to step S355, and saves the shot image in the recording section108 as an image file. On the other hand, at step S352, when it isdetermined that the shooting instruction information for the selectedimage title is the instruction for post-shooting processing, the systemcontrol section 101 proceeds to step S354, and plays the instruction asmotion pictures for post-shooting processing (shooting instructioninformation) on the display section 104. Accordingly, the user canperform the processing based on the instruction for post-shootingprocessing.

The operator gives instructions for execution of the instructedpost-shooting processing to the system control section 101 through theoperating section 106. The system control section 101 executes theinstructed post-shooting processing (step S354) The instruction for thepost-shooting processing includes an instruction to enter a memo, forexample. The system control section 101 saves the image, that has beensubjected to the processing as instructed, in the recording section 108as an image file (step S355).

On the other hand, at step S347, when it is determined that there is noshooting instruction information for the selected image title in theimage capture guide list, the system control section 101 proceeds tostep S356. Shooting is executed in the normal image capture guide listmode, and the shot image is stored in the recording section 108 as animage file (step S357).

Although the instruction for post-shooting processing is shown here asthe shooting instruction information, any instruction for processing tobe performed simultaneously with shooting, such as the processing formeasuring a distance, may be provided. When the instruction forprocessing to be performed simultaneously with shooting is provided, theinstruction as motion pictures is output to the display 104 beforeshooting. Accordingly, the user can give instructions for execution ofthe processing to be performed simultaneously with shooting to thedigital camera.

Further, the digital camera 100 transfers the image capture guide listand the file (s) recorded using this image capture guide list to thepersonal computer 200. Accordingly, the user of the personal computer200, who has created this image capture guide list, can utilize theimage(s) recorded using this image capture guide list for making areport or the like. Thus, the usability of the image capture guide listfor its creator is improved.

As explained above, according to the third example, the user selects oneof the image titles from the image capture guide list. The shootinginstruction information (instructions for how to shoot and forpost-shooting processing), corresponding to the selected image title inthe image capture guide list, is output as motion pictures. The usertakes pictures based on the instruction as motion pictures for how toshoot and performs the processing based on such an instruction forpost-shooting processing. Accordingly, the user can perform shooting andthe post-shooting processing based on the shooting instructioninformation output as motion pictures. Therefore, shooting andpost-shooting processing can be performed based on the instruction bythe creator, who has created the image capture guide list, or itsinstructor.

Fourth Example

The fourth example is explained with reference to FIG. 40. The flowchart in FIG. 40 shows the operation in the digital camera 100 accordingto the fourth example. In this fourth example, the operation in thefollowing case will be explained. This case is such that a list of imagetitles in an image capture guide list is displayed, the mode is switchedto a recording mode after an image title is selected, the data recordedin this recording mode is automatically processed based on automaticprocessing instruction information (instruction for post-recording)corresponding to the selected image title in the image capture guidelist.

In FIG. 40, the digital camera 100 is connected to the personal computer200 to download image capture guide lists, and stores these lists in therecording section 108 (step S361). Each of these lists has its listtitle, image titles as targets to be recorded, and further, respectiveautomatic processing instruction information (instruction forpost-recording) registered therein in correlation with each of theseimage titles. The operation instructing commands as shown in FIG. 41 areused for this automatic processing instruction information.

The system control section 101 determines whether the JOBNBI button 24on the operating section 106 has been pressed (step S362). When thebutton 24 has been pressed, the system control section 102 enters theimage capture guide list mode, and displays a list of the image captureguide list titles stored in the recording section 108 on the displaysection 104 (step S363). The operator selects one out of these listtitles through operation of the touch panel operating section 107. Thesystem control section 101 determines whether one of these list titleshas been selected (step S364).

When selection has been made, the system control section 101 displays alist of image titles in the selected image capture guide list on thedisplay section 104 (step S365). The operator selects one out of theseimage titles through the operation of the touch panel operating section107. The system control section 101 determines whether one of theseimage titles has been selected (step S366). When selection has beenmade, the system control section 101 enters the image capture guide listshooting mode (recording mode) to allow shooting (step S367).Accordingly, the user can select a subject for the image title to takeits picture.

Shooting is executed according to pressing of the shutter release button21 on the operating section 106 (step S368). Further, the system controlsection 101 determines whether there is automatic processing instructioninformation (instruction for post-recording) corresponding to theselected image title (step S369). When it is determined that there issuch information (instruction for post-recording), the system controlsection 101 then performs processing on the recorded image based on theautomatic processing instruction information (instruction forpost-recording) corresponding to the selected image title (step S370).The image subjected to the processing is saved in the recording section108 as an image file (step S371).

Further, the digital camera 100 transfers the image capture guide listand the file (s) recorded using this image capture guide list to thepersonal computer 200. Accordingly, the user of the personal computer200, who has created this image capture guide list, can utilize theimage(s) recorded using this image capture guide list for making areport or the like. Thus, the usability of the image capture guide listfor its creator is improved.

As explained above, according to the fourth example, the list of theimage titles in the image capture guide list is displayed. The mode isswitched to the recording mode after an image title is selected, and thedata recorded in this recording mode is subjected to the processingbased on the automatic processing instruction information (instructionfor post-recording) corresponding to the selected image title in theimage capture guide list. Accordingly, using the image capture guidelist can prevent the user from forgetting to take required picturesduring shooting, and after the shooting, the post-shooting processingcan be automated, thus improving usability for the user.

Fifth Example

The fifth example is explained with reference to FIG. 42. The flow chartin FIG. 42 shows the operation in the digital camera 100 according tothe fifth example. In this fifth example, the operation in the followingcase will be explained. This case is such that a list of image titles inan image capture guide list is displayed, and when automatic processinginstruction information (instruction for post-recording), correspondingto a selected image title in this list, indicates sending data as anattachment, the recorded data is attached to the e-mail to be sent to aspecified destination.

In FIG. 42, the digital camera 100 is connected to the personal computer200 to download image capture guide lists, and stores these lists in therecording section 108 (step S381). Each of these lists includes imagetitles as targets to be recorded (see FIG. 6), and further, respectiveautomatic processing instruction information (instruction forpost-recording) registered therein in correlation with each of theseimage titles. The operation instructing commands as shown in FIG. 41 areused for this automatic processing instruction information. FIG. 43shows an example of the commands used for sending an image by e-mail aspost-processing of shooting.

The system control section 101 determines whether the JOBNABI button 24on the operating section 106 has been pressed (step S382). When thebutton 24 has been pressed, the system control section 102 enters theimage capture guide list mode, and displays a list of the image captureguide list titles stored in the recording section 108 on the displaysection 104 (step S383). The operator selects one out of these listtitles through operation of the touch panel operating section 107. Thesystem control section 101 determines whether one of these list titleshas been selected (step S384).

When selection has been made, the system control section 101 displays alist of image titles in the selected image capture guide list on thedisplay section 104 (step S385). The operator selects one out of theseimage titles through the operation of the touch panel operating section107. The system control section 101 determines whether one of theseimage titles has been selected (step S386). When selection has beenmade, the system control section 101 enters the image capture guide listshooting mode to allow shooting to be ready (step S387). Accordingly,the user can select a subject for the image title to take its picture.

The system control section 101 reads out the instruction forpost-recording corresponding to the selected image title in the imagecapture guide list from the recording section 108 (step S388). Further,the system control section 101 determines whether the automaticprocessing instruction information (instruction for post-recording)indicates sending data as an attachment (step S389).

When it is determined that the automatic processing instructioninformation (instruction for post-recording) indicates sending data asan attachment, the system control section 101 then determines whetherthe recording mode is any of still picture, motion picture, binaryimage, or voice memo modes (step S390 to step S393). The system controlsection 101 then creates an attachment file to e-mail as any of therecorded still picture, motion pictures, binary image, and voice memo(step S394). Further, the system control section 101 shifts to thecommunication mode and sends the attachment file to the specifieddestination (step S395). On the other hand, at step S389, when it isdetermined that the automatic processing instruction information(instruction for post-recording) does not indicate sending data as anattachment, shooting is executed in the normal image capture guide listmode (step S396), and the file of the shot image is stored in therecording section 108 (step S397).

Further, the digital camera 100 transfers the image capture guide listand the file (s) recorded using this image capture guide list to thepersonal computer 200. Accordingly, the user of the personal computer200, who has created this image capture guide list, can utilize theimage(s) recorded using this image capture guide list for making areport or the like. Thus, the usability of the image capture guide listfor its creator is improved.

As explained above, according to the fifth example, the list of theimage titles in the image capture guide list is displayed. When it isdetermined that the automatic processing instruction information(instruction for post-recording), corresponding to the selected imagetitle in the image capture guide list, indicates sending data as anattachment, the recorded data is attached to e-mail and sent to aspecified destination. Accordingly, using the image capture guide listcan prevent the user from forgetting to take required pictures duringshooting, and after the shooting, it is possible to automatically sendthe recorded image or the like attached to e-mail to a destination, thusimproving usability for the user.

Sixth Example

The sixth example is explained with reference to FIG. 44. The flow chartin FIG. 44 shows the operation in the digital camera 100 according tothe sixth example. In this sixth example, the operation in the followingcase will be explained. This case is such that a list of image titles inan image capture guide list is displayed, and when automatic processinginstruction information (instruction for post-recording), correspondingto a selected image title in this list, indicates sending thumbnail dataas an attachment, thumbnail images of the shot images are attached toe-mail and are sent to a specified destination.

In FIG. 44, the digital camera 100 is connected to the personal computer200 to download image capture guide lists, and stores these lists in therecording section 108 (step S401). Each of these lists includes imagetitles as targets to be recorded, and further, respective automaticprocessing instruction information (instruction for post-recording)registered therein in correlation with each of these image titles. Theoperation instructing commands as shown in FIG. 41 are used for thisautomatic processing instruction information (instruction forpost-recording). FIG. 43 shows an example of the commands used forsending an image by e-mail as processing of post-recording.

The system control section 101 determines whether the JOBNABI button 24on the operating section 106 has been pressed (step S402). When thebutton 24 has been pressed, the system control section 102 enters theimage capture guide list mode, and displays a list of the image captureguide list titles stored in the recording section 108 on the displaysection 104 (step S403). The operator selects one out of these listtitles through operation of the touch panel operating section 107. Thesystem control section 101 determines whether one of these list titleshas been selected (step S404).

When selection has been made, the system control section 101 displays alist of image titles in the selected image capture guide list on thedisplay section 104 (step S405). The operator selects one out of theseimage titles through the operation of the touch panel operating section107. The system control section 101 determines whether one of theseimage titles has been selected (step S406). When selection has beenmade, the system control section 101 enters the image capture guide listshooting mode to allow shooting to be ready (step S407). Accordingly,the user can select a subject for the image title to take its picture.

The system control section 101 reads out automatic processinginstruction information (instruction for post-recording) correspondingto the selected image title in the image capture guide list, from therecording section 108 (step S408). Further, the system control section101 determines whether the automatic processing instruction information(instruction for post-recording) indicates sending data as an attachment(step S409).

When it is determined that the automatic processing instructioninformation (instruction for post-recording) indicates sending data asan attachment, the system control section 101 further determines whetherthe instruction for post-recording indicates sending thumbnail data asan attachment (step S410). When the instruction for post-recordingindicates sending thumbnail data as an attachment, the system controlsection 101 creates thumbnail images of the data for the shot images,and creates an attachment file of the thumbnail images attached toe-mail (step S411). Further, the system control section 101 shifts tothe communication mode and sends the attachment file to a specifieddestination (step S412). On the other hand, at step S409, when it isdetermined that the instruction for post-recording does not indicatesending data by e-mail, and when it is determined at step S410 that suchan instruction does not indicate sending thumbnail data by e-mail, thesystem control section 101 proceeds to step S413. Shooting is executedin the normal image capture guide list mode, and the shot image isstored in the recording section 108 as an image file (step S414).

Further, the digital camera 100 transfers the image capture guide listand the file (s) recorded using this image capture guide list to thepersonal computer 200. Accordingly, the user of the personal computer200, who has created this image capture guide list, can utilize theimage(s) recorded using this image capture guide list for making areport or the like. Thus, the usability of the image capture guide listfor its creator is improved.

As explained above, according to the sixth example, the list of theimage titles in the image capture guide list is displayed. When it isdetermined that the automatic processing instruction information(instruction for post-recording), corresponding to a selected imagetitle in the image capture guide list, indicates sending thumbnail dataas an attachment, thumbnail images of the recorded images are attachedto e-mail and are sent to a specified destination. Accordingly, usingthe image capture guide list can prevent the user from forgetting totake required pictures during shooting, and after the shooting, it ispossible to automatically send the thumbnail images of the shot imagesattached to e-mail to a destination, thus improving usability for theuser.

Seventh Example

The seventh example is explained with reference to FIG. 45. The flowchart in FIG. 45 shows the operation in the digital camera 100 accordingto the seventh example. In this seventh example, the operation in thefollowing case will be explained. This case is such that a list of imagetitles in an image capture guide list is displayed, and when automaticprocessing instruction information (instruction for post-recording),corresponding to a selected image title in this list, indicates sendinga zoomed image, the shot image data is zoomed to a specified size, whichis attached to e-mail, and the data is sent to a specified destination.

In FIG. 45, the digital camera 100 is connected to the personal computer200 to download image capture guide lists, and stores these lists in therecording section 108 (step S501). Each of these lists includes imagetitles as targets to be recorded (see FIG. 6), and further, respectiveautomatic processing instruction information (instruction forpost-recording) registered therein in correlation with each of theseimage titles. The operation instructing commands as shown in FIG. 41 areused for this instruction for post-recording.

The system control section 101 determines whether the JOBNABI button 24on the operating section 106 has been pressed (step S502). When thebutton 24 has been pressed, the system control section 102 enters theimage capture guide list mode, and displays a list of the image captureguide list titles stored in the recording section 108 on the displaysection 104 (step S503). The operator selects one out of these listtitles through operation of the touch panel operating section 107. Thesystem control section 101 determines whether one of these list titleshas been selected (step S504).

When selection has been made, the system control section 101 displays alist of image titles in the selected image capture guide list on thedisplay section 104 (step S505). The operator selects one out of theseimage titles through the operation of the touch panel operating section107. The system control section 101 determines whether one of theseimage titles has been selected (step S506). When selection has beenmade, the system control section 101 enters the image capture guide listshooting mode to allow shooting to be ready (step S507). Accordingly,the user can select a subject for the image title to take its picture.

The system control section 101 reads out automatic processinginstruction information (instruction for post-recording) correspondingto the selected image title in the image capture guide list, from therecording section 108 (step S508). Further, the system control section101 determines whether this automatic processing instruction information(instruction for post-recording) indicates sending a zoomed image (stepS509). When it is determined that the automatic processing instructioninformation (instruction for post-recording) indicates sending a zoomedimage, the system control section 101 zooms the shot image to a size ina magnification specified in the data recording/playing section (stepS510). The system control section 101 attaches the zoomed image toe-mail to create an e-mail attachment file (step S511). Further, thesystem control section 101 shifts to the communication mode and sendsthe e-mail attachment file to a specified destination (step S512). Onthe other hand, at step S509, when it is determined that the automaticprocessing instruction information (instruction for post-recording) doesnot indicate sending a zoomed image, the system control section 101proceeds to step S513. shooting is executed in the normal image captureguide list mode, and the shot image is stored in the recording section108 as an image file (step S514).

Further, the digital camera 100 transfers the image capture guide listand the file (s) recorded using this image capture guide list to thepersonal computer 200. Accordingly, the user of the personal computer200, who has created this image capture guide list, can utilize theimage(s) recorded using this image capture guide list for making areport or the like. Thus, the usability of the image capture guide listfor its creator is improved.

As explained above, according to the seventh example, the list of theimage titles in the image capture guide list is displayed. When theautomatic processing instruction information (instruction forpost-recording), corresponding to the selected image title in the imagecapture guide list, indicates sending a zoomed image, the shot imagedata is zoomed to a specified size and attached to e-mail, and thee-mail is sent to a specified destination. Accordingly, using the imagecapture guide list can prevent the user from forgetting to take requiredpictures during shooting, and after the shooting, the set image iszoomed in a specified magnification to be attached to e-mail, and thee-mail can automatically be sent to a destination, thus improvingusability for the user.

Eighth Example

The eighth example is explained with reference to FIG. 46. The flowchart in FIG. 46 shows the operation in the digital camera 100 accordingto the eighth example. In this eighth example, the operation in thefollowing case will be explained. This case is such that when theautomatic processing instruction information (instruction forpost-recording), corresponding to a selected image title in an imagecapture guide list indicates uploading an image to a home page, an HTMLfile of a shot image is created and uploaded to a specified home page.

In FIG. 46, the digital camera 100 is connected to the personal computer200 to download image capture guide lists, and stores these lists in therecording section 108 (step S521). Each of these lists includes imagetitles as targets to be recorded (see FIG. 6), and further, respectiveautomatic processing instruction information (instruction forpost-recording) registered therein in correlation with each of theseimage titles. The operation instructing commands as shown in FIG. 41 areused for this instruction for post-recording. FIG. 47 shows an exampleof commands used for uploading an image to the Web server 300 as aninstruction for post-recording.

The system control section 101 determines whether the JOBNBI button 24on the operating section 106 has been pressed (step S522). When thebutton 24 has been pressed, the system control section 102 enters theimage capture guide list mode, and displays a list of the image captureguide list titles stored in the recording section 108 on the displaysection 104 (step S523). The operator selects one out of these listtitles through operation of the touch panel operating section 107. Thesystem control section 101 determines whether one of these list titleshas been selected (step S524).

When selection has been made, the system control section 101 displays alist of image titles in the selected image capture guide list on thedisplay section 104 (step S525). The operator selects one out of theseimage titles through the operation of the touch panel operating section107. The system control section 101 determines whether one of theseimage titles has been selected (step S526). When selection has beenmade, the system control section 101 enters the image capture guide listshooting mode to allow shooting to be ready (step S527). Accordingly,the user can select a subject for the image title to take its picture.

The system control section 101 reads out automatic processinginstruction information (instruction for post-recording) correspondingto the selected image title in the image capture guide list, from therecording section 108 (step S528). Shooting is executed according tooperation of the shutter release button 21 on the operating section 106(step S529). Further, the system control section 101 determines whetherthe automatic processing instruction information (instruction forpost-recording) indicates uploading an image to a home page (step S530).When it is determined that the automatic processing instructioninformation (instruction for post-recording) indicates uploading animage to a home page, the system control section 101 converts the shotimages to an HTML file format so as to enable uploading of the images(step S531). The system control section 101 shifts to the communicationmode and uploads the HTML file to a specified home page (step S532).

On the other hand, at step S530, when it is determined that theautomatic processing instruction information (instruction forpost-recording) does not indicates uploading an image to a home page,the system control section 101 proceeds to step S533. Shooting isexecuted in the normal image capture guide list mode, and the shot imageis stored in the recording section 108 as an image file (step S534).

Further, the digital camera 100 transfers the image capture guide listand the file (s) recorded using this image capture guide list to thepersonal computer 200. Accordingly, the user of the personal computer200, who has created this image capture guide list, can utilize theimage(s) recorded using this image capture guide list for making areport or the like. Thus, the usability of the image capture guide listfor its creator is improved.

As explained above, according to the eighth example, when the automaticprocessing instruction information (instruction for post-recording),corresponding to the selected image title in the image capture guidelist, indicates uploading an image to a home page, the HTML file of theshot image is created and uploaded to the specified home page.Accordingly, using the image capture guide list can prevent the userfrom forgetting to take required pictures during shooting, and after theshooting, the shot image can automatically be uploaded to the home page,thus improving usability for the user.

Ninth Example

The ninth example is explained with reference to FIG. 48. The flow chartin FIG. 48 shows the operation in the digital camera 100 according tothe ninth example. In this ninth example, the operation in the followingcase will be explained. This case is such that when the instruction forpost-recording for a selected image title in an image capture guide listindicates uploading an image to a home page and notification of the URLof this home page, the shot image is uploaded to a specified home page,and the URL of this home page is sent by e-mail to a specifieddestination.

In FIG. 48, the digital camera 100 is connected to the personal computer200 to download image capture guide lists, and stores these lists in therecording section 108 (step S541). Each of these lists includes imagetitles as targets to be recorded (see FIG. 6), and further, respectiveautomatic processing instruction information (instruction forpost-recording) registered therein in correlation with each of theseimage titles. The operation instructing commands as shown in FIG. 41 areused for this instruction for post-recording. FIG. 47 shows an exampleof the commands used for uploading an image to a Web server as aninstruction for post-recording.

The system control section 101 determines whether the JOBNABI button 24on the operating section 106 has been pressed (step S542). When thebutton 24 has been pressed, the system control section 102 enters theimage capture guide list mode, and displays a list of the image captureguide list titles stored in the recording section 108 on the displaysection 104 (step S543). The operator selects one out of these listtitles through operation of the touch panel operating section 107. Thesystem control section 101 determines whether one of these list titleshas been selected (step S544).

When selection has been made, the system control section 101 displays alist of image titles in the selected image capture guide list on thedisplay section 104 (step S545). The operator selects one out of theseimage titles through the operation of the touch panel operating section107. The system control section 101 determines whether one of theseimage titles has been selected (step S546). When selection has beenmade, the system control section 101 enters the image capture guide listshooting mode to allow shooting to be ready (step S547). Accordingly,the user can select a subject for the image title to take its picture.

The system control section 101 reads out automatic processinginstruction information (instruction for post-recording) correspondingto the selected image title in the image capture guide list, from therecording section 108 (step S548). Shooting is executed according tooperation of the shutter release button 21 on the operating section 106(step S549). Further, the system control section 101 determines whetherthe read-out automatic processing instruction information (instructionfor post-recording) indicates uploading an image to a home page (stepS550). When it is determined that the automatic processing instructioninformation (instruction for post-recording) indicates uploading animage to a home page, the system control section 101 converts the shotimages to an HTML file format so as to enable uploading of the images(step S551).

The system control section 101 determines whether the automaticprocessing instruction information (instruction for post-recording)indicates notification of URL by e-mail (step S552). When the automaticprocessing instruction information (instruction for post-recording) doesnot indicate notification of URL by e-mail, the system control section101 proceeds to step S554. On the other hand, when the automaticprocessing instruction information (instruction for post-recording)indicates notification of URL by e-mail, the system control section 101creates an e-mail file that the URL as a destination of uploading isinserted in its text (step S553), and proceeds to step S554. At stepS554, the system control section 101 uploads the HTML file to aspecified home page, and sends the e-mail file created at step S553 tothe specified address.

On the other hand, at step S550, when it is determined that theautomatic processing instruction information (instruction forpost-recording) does not indicate uploading an image to a home page, thesystem control section 101 proceeds to step S555. Shooting is executedin the normal image capture guide list mode, and the shot image isstored in the recording section 108 as an image file (step S556).

Further, the digital camera 100 transfers the image capture guide listand the file (s) recorded using this image capture guide list to thepersonal computer 200. Accordingly, the user of the personal computer200, who has created this image capture guide list, can utilize theimage(s) recorded using this image capture guide list for making areport or the like. Thus, the usability of the image capture guide listfor its creator is improved.

As explained above, according to the ninth example, the image captureguide list is displayed on the display section 104, and an image titleis selected from the displayed list. When the automatic processinginstruction information (instruction for post-recording), correspondingto the selected image title, indicates uploading an image to a home pageand notification of the URL of this home page, the shot image isuploaded to a specified homepage. Further, the URL of this homepage issent to the specified destination by e-mail. Accordingly, using theimage capture guide list can prevent the user from forgetting to takerequired pictures during shooting, and after the shooting, the shotimage can automatically be uploaded to the home page and the URL of thishome page can automatically be sent to the specified destination bye-mail, thus improving usability for the user.

In the fourth example to the ninth example, the automatic processinginstruction information (instruction for post-recording/post-shooting)is registered in the image capture guide list for each image title.However, the instruction may not be provided for each image title, butmay be provided for the overall image capture guide list. For example,this instruction may be provided when recording (shooting) for all theimage titles is finished. In the eighth example and the ninth example,for example, when recording for all the image titles in the imagecapture guide list is finished according to this image capture guidelist, the instruction to upload the shot images in one file to the homepage may be issued.

Tenth Example

The tenth example is explained with reference to FIG. 49. The flow chartin FIG. 49 shows the operation in the digital camera 100 according tothe tenth example. In this tenth example, the operation in the followingcase will be explained. This case is such that an image title isselected from the image capture guide list, and when the automaticprocessing instruction information (instruction for post-recording),corresponding to the selected image title, indicates inputting a memo,the mode is automatically switched to the memo input mode aftershooting, and a file of the input memo is saved as a related file to animage file of the shot image data.

In FIG. 49, the digital camera 100 is connected to the personal computer200 to download image capture guide lists, and stores these lists in therecording section 108 (step S561). Each of these lists includes its owntitle, image titles as targets to be recorded, and further, respectiveautomatic processing instruction information (instruction forpost-recording) registered therein in correlation with each of theseimage titles. The operation instructing commands as shown in FIG. 41 areused for this automatic processing instruction information.

The system control section 101 determines whether the JOBNABI button 24on the operating section 106 has been pressed (step S562). When thebutton 24 has been pressed, the system control section 102 enters theimage capture guide list mode, and displays a list of the image captureguide list titles stored in the recording section 108 on the displaysection 104 (step S563). The operator selects one out of these listtitles through operation of the touch panel operating section 107. Thesystem control section 101 determines whether one of these list titleshas been selected (step S564).

When selection has been made, the system control section 101 displays alist of image titles in the selected image capture guide list on thedisplay section 104 (step S565). The operator selects one out of theseimage titles through the operation of the touch panel operating section107. The system control section 101 determines whether one of theseimage titles has been selected (step S566). When selection has beenmade, the system control section 101 enters the image capture guide listshooting mode to allow shooting to be ready (step S567). Accordingly,the user can select a subject for the image title to take its picture.

The system control section 101 reads out the instruction forpost-recording corresponding to the selected image title in the imagecapture guide list, from the recording section 108 (step S568). Further,the system control section 101 determines whether the automaticprocessing instruction information (instruction for post-recording)indicates inputting a memo (step S569). When it is determined that theinstruction for post-recording for the selected image title indicatesinputting a memo, the system control section 101 proceeds to step S570.A subject is shot according to pressing of the shutter release button 21on the operating section 106. The image data for the shot subject isstored in the recording section 108 as an image file (step S570).

Further, the system control section 101 shifts to the memo input mode(step S571), and determines whether the button for selecting on-screenkeypad entry has been selected on the touch panel operating section 107(step S572). When such a button has been selected, the user enters textthrough the on-screen keypad (step S573), and the entered text is storedin the recording section 108 as a related file (step S574). On the otherhand, at step S572, when it is determined that the button for selectingon-screen keypad entry has not been selected on the touch paneloperating section 107, the user enters a character written in freehandusing the stylus pen on the touch panel operating section 107 (stepS575). This centered freehand character is stored in the recordingsection 108 as a related file (step S574).

On the other hand, at step S569, when it is determined that theautomatic processing instruction information (instruction forpost-recording) does not indicate inputting a memo, the system controlsection 101 proceeds to step S576. Shooting is executed in the normalimage capture guide list mode, and the shot image is stored in therecording section 108 as an EXIF-format image file (step S577).

Further, the digital camera 100 transfers the image capture guide listand the file (s) recorded using this image capture guide list to thepersonal computer 200. Accordingly, the user of the personal computer200, who has created this image capture guide list, can utilize theimage(s) recorded using this image capture guide list for making areport or the like. Thus, the usability of the image capture guide listfor its creator is improved.

As explained above, according to the tenth example, when inputting amemo after shooting is instructed in the image capture guide list, themode is switched to the memo input mode after the shooting. Accordingly,the memo information for the shot image can be input, so that it ispossible to prevent the pictures from being mixed up after the shooting,thus improving usability for the user.

Further, according to the tenth example, when an image title is selectedfrom the image capture guide list and the automatic processinginstruction information (instruction for post-recording), correspondingto the selected image title, indicates inputting a memo, the mode isswitched to the memo input mode, and the file of the entered memo issaved as the related file to the file of the shot image. Accordingly,using the image capture guide list can prevent the user from forgettingto take required pictures during shooting, and after the shooting, thememo relating to the shooting can be saved as the related file. Thus,the user can smoothly carry out the operations.

Eleventh Example

The eleventh example is explained with reference to FIG. 50. The flowchart in FIG. 50 shows the operation in the digital camera 100 accordingto the eleventh example. In this eleventh example, the operation in thefollowing case will be explained. This case is such that an image titleis selected from an image capture guide list, and when the automaticprocessing instruction information (instruction for post-recording),corresponding to the selected image title, indicates combination of aninput memo with an image, the mode is switched to the memo input modeafter shooting, and input memo information is combined with the shotimage to be saved.

In FIG. 50, the digital camera 100 is connected to the personal computer200 to download image capture guide lists, and stores these lists in therecording section 108 (step S581). Each of these lists has its owntitle, image titles as targets to be recorded, and respective automaticprocessing instruction information (instruction for post-recording)registered therein in correlation with each of these image titles.

The system control section 101 determines whether the JOBNABI button 24on the operating section 106 has been pressed (step S582). When thebutton 24 has been pressed, the system control section 102 enters theimage capture guide list mode, and displays a list of the image captureguide list titles stored in the recording section 108 on the displaysection 104 (step S583). The operator selects one out of these listtitles through operation of the touch panel operating section 107. Thesystem control section 101 determines whether one of these list titleshas been selected (step S584).

When selection has been made, the system control section 101 displays alist of image titles in the selected image capture guide list on thedisplay section 104 (step S585). The operator selects one out of theseimage titles through the operation of the touch panel operating section107. The system control section 101 determines whether one of theseimage titles has been selected (step S586). When selection has beenmade, the system control section 101 enters the image capture guide listshooting mode to allow shooting to be ready (step S587). The monitoringimage then appears on the display section 104. Accordingly, the user canselect a subject for the image title to take its picture.

The system control section 101 reads out the automatic processinginstruction information (instruction for post-recording) correspondingto the selected image title in the image capture guide list, from therecording section 108 (step S588). Further, the system control section101 determines whether the automatic processing instruction information(instruction for post-recording) indicates combination of an input memowith an image (step S589). When it is determined that the instructionfor post-recording for the selected image title indicates suchcombination, the system control section 101 proceeds to step S590. Thesubject is shot according to pressing of the shutter release button 21on the operating section 106. In this case, the shot image is appearedon the display section 104.

Further, the system control section 101 shifts to the memo input mode(step S591), and determines whether the button for selecting on-screenkeypad entry has been selected on the touch panel operating section 107(step S592). When such a button has been selected, the user enters textthrough the on-screen keypad (step S593). At step S592, when it isdetermined that the button for selecting on-screen keypad entry has notbeen selected on the touch panel operating section 107, the user entersa character written in freehand using the stylus pen on the touch paneloperating section 107 (step S596). This entered memo information (textor freehand character) is displayed by being superposed on the selectedand shot image. Further, the user specifies a position of the memoinformation that will be superposed on the shot image (step S594).Accordingly, the user can check the position of the memo information tobe superposed on the shot image while viewing this shot image.

The system control section 101 combines the shot image with the memoinformation whose position is specified to create a composite image, andsaves this composite image in the recording section 108 as an image file(step S595).

On the other hand, at step S589, when it is determined that theinstruction for post-recording does not indicate combination of an inputmemo with an image, the system control section 101 proceeds to stepS597. Shooting is executed in the normal image capture guide list mode,and the shot image is stored in the recording section 108 as an imagefile (step S598).

Further, the digital camera 100 transfers the image capture guide listand the file (s) recorded using this image capture guide list to thepersonal computer 200. Accordingly, the user of the personal computer200, who has created this image capture guide list, can utilize theimage(s) recorded using this image capture guide list for making areport or the like. Thus, the usability of the image capture guide listfor its creator is improved.

As explained above, according to the eleventh example, an image title isselected from the image capture guide list, and when the automaticprocessing instruction information (instruction for post-recording),corresponding to the selected image title, indicates combination of aninput memo with an image, the mode is switched to the memo input modeafter the shooting. The input memo information is then combined with therecorded image to be saved. Accordingly, using the image capture guidelist can prevent the user from forgetting to take required picturesduring shooting, and after the shooting, it is possible to combine thememo relating to the shooting with the shot image to be saved. Thus, theuser can smoothly carry out the operations.

Twelfth Example

The twelfth example is explained with reference to FIG. 51. The flowchart in FIG. 51 shows the operation in the digital camera 100 accordingto the twelfth example. In this twelfth example, the operation in thefollowing case will be explained. This case is such that an image titlein an image capture guide list is selected, and when the automaticprocessing instruction information (instruction for post-recording),corresponding to the selected image title, indicates voice entry, themode is switched to the voice memo input mode after shooting, and aninput voice memo is saved as a related file to the file of the shotimage.

In FIG. 51, the digital camera 100 is connected to the personal computer200 to download image capture guide lists, and stores these lists in therecording section 108 (step S601). Each of these lists has its owntitle, image titles as targets to be recorded, and respective automaticprocessing instruction information (instruction for post-recording)registered therein in correlation with each of these image titles. Theoperation instructing commands as shown in FIG. 41 are used for thisautomatic processing instruction information (instruction forpost-recording).

The system control section 101 determines whether the JOBNABI button 24on the operating section 106 has been pressed (step S602). When thebutton 24 has been pressed, the system control section 102 enters theimage capture guide list mode, and displays a list of the image captureguide list titles stored in the recording section 108 on the displaysection 104 (step S603). The operator selects one out of these listtitles through operation of the touch panel operating section 107. Thesystem control section 101 determines whether one of these list titleshas been selected (step S604).

When selection has been made, the system control section 101 displays alist of image titles in the selected image capture guide list on thedisplay section 104 (step S605). The operator selects one out of theseimage titles through the operation of the touch panel operating section107. The system control section 101 determines whether one of theseimage titles has been selected (step S606). When selection has beenmade, the system control section 101 enters the image capture guide listshooting mode to allow shooting to be ready (step S607). Accordingly,the user can select a subject for the image title to take its picture.

The system control section 101 reads out the automatic processinginstruction information (instruction for post-recording) correspondingto the selected image title in the image capture guide list, from therecording section 108 (step S608). Further, the system control section101 determines whether the automatic processing instruction information(instruction for post-recording) indicates voice entry (step S609). Whenit is determined that the automatic processing instruction information(instruction for post-recording) indicates voice entry, the systemcontrol section 101 proceeds to step S610. At step S610, a subject isshot according to pressing of the shutter release button 21 on theoperating section 106. The shot image is stored in the recording section108 as an image file. Further, the system control section 101 shifts tothe voice memo input mode (step S611), and saves a file of the voicememo input through the voice data recording/playing section 105 in therecording section 108 as a related file to the image file of the shotimage (step S612).

On the other hand, at step S609, when it is determined that theautomatic processing instruction information (instruction forpost-recording) does not indicate voice entry, the system controlsection 101 proceeds to step S613. Shooting is executed in the normalimage capture guide list mode, and the shot image is stored in therecording section 108 as an image file (step S614).

Further, the digital camera 100 transfers the image capture guide listand the file (s) recorded using this image capture guide list to thepersonal computer 200. Accordingly, the user of the personal computer200, who has created this image capture guide list, can utilize theimage(s) recorded using this image capture guide list for making areport or the like. Thus, the usability of the image capture guide listfor its creator is improved.

As explained above, according to the twelfth example, the image title isselected from the image capture guide list, and when the automaticprocessing instruction information (instruction for post-recording),corresponding to the selected image title, indicates voice entry, themode is switched to the voice memo input mode. The file of the enteredvoice memo is then saved as the related file to the image file of theshot image. Accordingly, using the image capture guide list can preventthe user from forgetting to take required pictures during shooting, andafter the shooting, it is possible to save the voice memo relating tothe shooting as its related file. Thus, the user can smoothly carry outthe operations.

In the fourth example to the twelfth example, the automatic processinginstruction information (instruction for post-recording (post-shooting))is added to the image capture guide list for each image title. However,the instruction may not be provided for each image title, but may beprovided for the overall image capture guide list. The case, in whichthe automatic processing instruction information for the overall imagecapture guide list is added to the guide list, will be explained in thethirteenth example to the eighteenth example.

Thirteenth Example

The thirteenth example is explained with reference to FIG. 52. The flowchart in FIG. 52 shows the operation in the digital camera 100 accordingto the thirteenth example. In this thirteenth example, the operation inthe following case will be explained. This case is such that whenshooting for all the image titles in an image capture guide list isfinished, the massage to that effect is sent to the personal computer200.

The digital camera 100 is assumed to store the image capture guide listfile downloaded from the personal computer 200 in the recording section108. In FIG. 52, when the JOBNABI button 24 on the operating section 106has been pressed, the system control section 102 enters the imagecapture guide list mode, and reads out image titles in the image captureguide list stored in the recording section 108 to display these titleson the display section 104 (step S621). The system control section 101further reads out the automatic processing instruction information(instruction for post-recording) in the image capture guide list (stepS622). The system control section 101 then determines whether theautomatic processing instruction information (instruction forpost-recording) indicates automatic reporting of shooting completion(step S623).

When it is determined that the automatic processing instructioninformation (instruction for post-recording) indicates such automaticreporting, the system control section 101 proceeds to step S624. At stepS624, an image title is selected and shooting is performed. The systemcontrol section 101 determines whether shooting for all the image titlesin the image capture guide list has been finished (step S625). When itis determined that shooting for all the image titles has not beenfinished, the system control section 101 returns to step S624. On theother hand, when shooting for all the image titles has been completed,the system control section 101 proceeds to step S626, and creates a mailfile for shooting completion indicating that shooting for all the imagetitles in the image capture guide list has been finished.

Further, the system control section 101 shifts to the communication modeand sends the mail file for shooting completion to the personal computer200 (step S627). On the other hand, at step S623, when it is determinedthat the automatic processing instruction information (instruction forpost-recording) does not indicate automatic reporting of shootingcompletion, shooting is executed in the normal image capture guide listmode (step S628), and the shot image is stored in the recording section108 as an image file (step S629).

Further, the digital camera 100 transfers the image capture guide listand the file (s) recorded using this image capture guide list to thepersonal computer 200. Accordingly, the user of the personal computer200, who has created this image capture guide list, can utilize theimage(s) recorded using this image capture guide list for making areport or the like. Thus, the usability of the image capture guide listfor its creator is improved.

As explained above, according to the thirteenth example, when shootingof all images for the image titles in the image capture guide list isfinished with the digital camera, the message to that effect is sent tothe personal computer 200. Therefore, the instructor can grasp whetherthe operations for the image capture guide list have been finished.

When the image capture guide list includes the automatic processinginstruction information that instructs to report shooting completion atthe time of finishing shooting for all the image titles, shootingcompletion is reported. However, reporting on shooting completion mayalso automatically be performed regardless of whether such automaticprocessing instruction information is included in the image captureguide list.

Fourteenth Example

The fourteenth example is explained with reference to FIG. 53. The flowchart in FIG. 53 shows the operation in the digital camera 100 accordingto the fourteenth example. In this fourteenth example, the operation inthe following case will be explained. This case is such that whenshooting for all the image titles in an image capture guide list hasbeen finished up to the point at which reporting will automatically beperformed, the massage to that effect is sent to the personal computer200.

The digital camera 100 is assumed to store the image capture guide listfile downloaded from the personal computer 200 in the recording section108. In FIG. 53, when the JOBNABI button 24 on the operating section 106has been pressed, the system control section 102 enters the imagecapture guide list mode, and reads out image titles in the image captureguide list stored in the recording section 108 to display these titleson the display section 104 (step S631). The system control section 101further reads out the automatic processing instruction information(instruction for post-recording) in the image capture guide list (stepS632). The system control section 101 then determines whether theautomatic processing instruction information (instruction forpost-recording) indicates automatic reporting of shooting completion(step S633).

When it is determined that the automatic processing instructioninformation (instruction for post-recording) indicates such automaticreporting, the system control section 101 proceeds to step S634. At stepS634, an image title is selected and shooting is performed. The systemcontrol section 101 determines whether shooting for the image titles inthe image capture guide list has been finished up to the point at whichreporting will automatically be performed (step S635). This automaticreporting point mentioned here indicates the points as follows at whichreporting is automatically performed. That is, the point at whichshooting for the predetermined number of images for the image captureguide list is finished, and the point at which shooting for thepredetermined number of image titles is finished.

When it is determined that the shooting for the image titles in theimage capture guide list has not been finished up to such a point, thesystem control section 101 returns to step S634. On the other hand, whenthe shooting for the image titles in the image capture guide list hasbeen finished up to such a point, the system control section 101proceeds to step S636, and creates a reporting mail file indicating thatthe shooting for all the image titles in the image capture guide list isfinished up to the point for automatic reporting (step S636). The systemcontrol section 101 then shifts to the communication mode and sends thereporting mail file to the personal computer 200 (step S637).

On the other hand, at step S633, when it is determined that theautomatic processing instruction information (instruction forpost-recording) does not indicate automatic reporting of shootingcompletion, the system control section 101 proceeds to step S638,shooting is executed in the normal image capture guide list mode, andthe shot image is stored in the recording section 108 as an image file(step S639).

Further, the digital camera 100 transfers the image capture guide listand the file (s) recorded using this image capture guide list to thepersonal computer 200. Accordingly, the user of the personal computer200, who has created this image capture guide list, can utilize theimage(s) recorded using this image capture guide list for making areport or the like. Thus, the usability of the image capture guide listfor its creator is improved.

As explained above, according to the fourteenth example, when shootingfor the image titles in the image capture guide list is finished withthe digital camera up to the automatic reporting point, the message tothat effect is sent to the personal computer 200. Therefore, theinstructor can grasp how the operations for the image capture guide listare progressing.

When the image capture guide list includes the automatic processinginstruction information that instructs to report at the time offinishing shooting for image titles up to the automatic reporting point,shooting completion is reported. However, reporting may also beperformed regardless of whether such automatic processing instructioninformation is included in the image capture guide list.

Fifteenth Example

The fifteenth example is explained with reference to FIG. 54. The flowchart in FIG. 54 shows the operation in the digital camera 100 accordingto the fifteenth example. In this fifteenth example, the operation inthe following case will be explained. This case is such that when theautomatic processing instruction information in an image capture guidelist indicates grouping, shot images are grouped and saved.

In FIG. 54, the digital camera 100 is assumed to store the image captureguide list file downloaded from the personal computer 200 in therecording section 108. When the JOBNABI button 24 on the operatingsection 106 has been pressed, the system control section 102 enters theimage capture guide list mode, and reads out image titles in the imagecapture guide list stored in the recording section 108 to display thesetitles on the display section 104 (step S641). The system controlsection 101 further reads out the automatic processing instructioninformation (instruction for post-recording) in the image capture guidelist (step S642), and determines whether the automatic processinginstruction information (instruction for post-recording) indicatesgrouping (step S643). When grouping is instructed, the system controlsection 101 proceeds to step S644. At step S644, an image title isselected and shooting is performed.

The system control section 101 determines whether shooting for all theimage titles in the image capture guide list has been finished (stepS645). When it is determined that the shooting for all the image titlesin the image capture guide list has not been finished, the systemcontrol section 101 returns to step S644. On the other hand, whenshooting for all the image titles in the image capture guide list hasbeen finished, the system control section 101 performs grouping on theimages (step S646). Further, the system control section 101 displays themessage to prompt the operator to make a selection of whether thegrouped images are to be stored in the same folder on the displaysection 104. When the same folder for the grouped images has beenselected by the user through operation of the operating section 106(step S647), the folder of the image capture guide list is specified,and the recorded files for all the image titles in the image captureguide list are then registered into this folder (step S648). On theother hand, at step S647, when the same folder for the grouped imageshas not been selected by the user through operation of the operatingsection 106, a folder for each image title is prepared in the lowerlayer of the folder of the image capture guide list (step S649). Eachimage file is registered in a folder of a corresponding image title(step S650), and the same processing is then repeated until all thegrouped image titles have been saved (step S649 to step S651).

On the other hand, at step S643, when grouping is not instructed in theimage capture guide list, the system control section 101 proceeds tostep S652. Shooting is executed in the normal image capture guide listmode, and the shot image is stored in the recording section 108 as animage file (step S653).

FIG. 55 shows an example of the folder structure of a shot image. Thisfigure shows an example in which a file of the image capture guide list,for which shooting has been finished, and shot images are registered inthe folder that is created for each image capture guide list.

Further, the digital camera 100 transfers the image capture guide listand the file (s) recorded using this image capture guide list to thepersonal computer 200. Accordingly, the user of the personal computer200, who has created this image capture guide list, can utilize theimage(s) recorded using this image capture guide list for making areport or the like. Thus, the usability of the image capture guide listfor its creator is improved.

As explained above, according to the fifteenth example, when grouping isinstructed in the image capture guide list, the files of the shot imagesare grouped and registered in the folder(s), thus facilitatingmanagement of the files.

When the image capture guide list includes the automatic processinginstruction information that instructs grouping, the files of shotimages are grouped and registered in the folder(s). However, the filesof the images shot based on the image capture guide list may also begrouped and registered in the folder(s) regardless of whether theautomatic processing instruction information, that instruct grouping, isincluded in the image capture guide list.

Sixteenth Example

The sixteenth example is explained with reference to FIG. 56. The flowchart in FIG. 56 shows the operation in the digital camera 100 accordingto the sixteenth example. In this sixteenth example, the operation inthe following case will be explained. This case is such that whengrouping is instructed in the image capture guide list, still pictures,motion pictures, voice memos, and binary images recorded according tothe image capture guide list are grouped and saved for each type of thestill pictures, motion pictures, voice memos, and binary images.

In FIG. 56, the digital camera 100 is assumed to store the image captureguide list file downloaded from the personal computer 200 in therecording section 108. When the JOBNABI button 24 on the operatingsection 106 has been pressed, the system control section 102 enters theimage capture guide list mode, and reads out image titles in the imagecapture guide list stored in the recording section 108 to display thesetitles on the display section 104 (step S661). The system controlsection 101 further reads out the automatic processing instructioninformation (instruction for post-recording) in the image capture guidelist (step S662). The system control section 101 then determines whetherthe automatic processing instruction information (instruction forpost-recording) indicates grouping (step S663). When grouping isinstructed, the system control section 101 proceeds to step S664. Atstep S664, an image title is selected and shooting is performed. Thesystem control section 101 then determines whether shooting for all theimage titles in the image capture guide list has been finished (stepS665).

When it is determined that the shooting for all the image titles in theimage capture guide list has not been finished, the system controlsection 101 returns to step S664. On the other hand, when the shootingfor all the image titles in the image capture guide list has beenfinished, the system control section 101 performs grouping on the images(step S666). Further, the system control section 101 displays themessage to prompt the operator to make a selection of whether thegrouped images are to be stored in the same folder. When the same folderfor the grouped images has been selected by the user through operationof the operating section 106 (step S667), the folder of the imagecapture guide list is specified and the recorded files for all the imagetitles in the image capture guide list are registered into the folder(step S668).

On the other hand, when the same folder for the grouped images has notbeen selected by the user through operation of the operating section 106(step S667), the recorded files are arranged for each of the modes forthe recorded file such as the still picture, motion picture, voice memo,and binary image modes (step S669). Further, folders are prepared foreach type of the still picture, motion picture, voice memo, and binaryimage modes in the lower layer of the folder of the image capture guidelist, and a corresponding recorded file is registered in each of thefolders (step S670). The same processing is then repeated until all thegroups have been saved (step S671).

At step S663, when grouping is not instructed in the image capture guidelist, the system control section 101 proceeds to step S672. Shooting isexecuted in the normal image capture guide list mode, and the shot imageis stored in the recording section 108 as an image file (step S673).

Further, the digital camera 100 transfers the image capture guide listand the file (s) recorded using this image capture guide list to thepersonal computer 200. Accordingly, the user of the personal computer200, who has created this image capture guide list, can utilize theimage(s) recorded using this image capture guide list for making areport or the like. Thus, the usability of the image capture guide listfor its creator is improved.

As explained above, according to the sixteenth example, when grouping isinstructed in the image capture guide list, still pictures, motionpictures, voice memos, and binary images recorded based on the imagecapture guide list are grouped and saved for each type of the stillpictures, motion pictures, voice memos, and binary images, thusfacilitating management of the files.

Seventeenth Example

The seventeenth example is explained with reference to FIG. 57. The flowchart in FIG. 57 shows the operation in the digital camera 100 accordingto the seventeenth example. In this seventeenth example, the operationin the following case will be explained. This case is such that when theautomatic processing instruction information (instruction forpost-recording) in an image capture guide list indicates combination ofplural images, after the predetermined number of images are shot, pluralimages of these images are combined according to combination informationfor each images in the image capture guide list to create one imagefile.

In FIG. 57, the digital camera 100 is assumed to store the image captureguide list transferred from the personal computer 200 in the recordingsection 108. When the JOBNABI button 24 on the operating section 106 hasbeen pressed, the system control section 102 enters the image captureguide list mode, and reads out image titles in the image capture guidelist stored in the recording section 108 to display these titles on thedisplay section 104 (step S681). The system control section 101 furtherreads out the automatic processing instruction information (instructionfor post-recording) in the image capture guide list (step S682). Thesystem control section 101 then determines whether the automaticprocessing instruction information (instruction for post-recording)indicates combination of plural images (step S683). When it isdetermined that the automatic processing instruction information(instruction for post-recording) indicates combination of plural images,the system control section 101 proceeds to step S684.

At step S684, an image title is selected and recording is performed. Thesystem control section 101 then determines whether the predeterminednumber of recordings has been finished (step S685). When it isdetermined that the predetermined number of recordings has not beenfinished, the system control section 101 returns to step S684. On theother hand, when the predetermined number of recordings has beenfinished, the system control section 101 reads in the information forcombination of images, such as information for the size of images ororder of arranging the images, from the image capture guide list (stepS686). Further, the system control section 101 combines the recordedplural images according to the combination information of images (stepS687), and saves the composite image in the recording section 108 as oneimage file (step S688).

On the other hand, at step S683, when the automatic processinginstruction information (instruction for post-recording) does notindicate combination of plural images, the system control section 101proceeds to step S689, and stores the image recorded in the normal imagecapture guide list mode in the recording section 108 as an image file(step S690).

Further, the digital camera 100 transfers the image capture guide listand the file (s) recorded using this image capture guide list to thepersonal computer 200. Accordingly, the user of the personal computer200, who has created this image capture guide list, can utilize theimage(s) recorded using this image capture guide list for making areport or the like. Thus, the usability of the image capture guide listfor its creator is improved.

The example of the automatic processing instruction information i.e.command, that instructs combination of plural images included in theimage capture guide list, will be explained below. The command in thecase of combining images is as follows: comp: {(pair=a, . . . ),(base=0/not base=1, 2, 3 . . . ), (size=w×h), (when not base,position=x,y)}.

-   -   pair: represents combination of images.        -   Alphabetically expressed like, a,b,c . . . , and identical            letters of the alphabet in plural images indicate the images            to be combined.    -   base: expressed by 1,0, and        -   base=0 represents a base image on which another image is            superposed.        -   base=1 represents an image superposed on another image.        -   If there are plural images to be combined, the image with            the larger number is superposed on the image with the lower            number.    -   size: expressed by w×h, w; expressed by the number of lateral        pixels, xh; expressed by the number of longitudinal pixels.        -   The size of the image superposed on another image can be            omitted if not changed. (e.g., 340×170)    -   position: expressed by x,y coordinates, which represent the        coordinates of a position at an upper left angle of the image on        the base image when the base image is divided by 100.

FIG. 59 shows the example of description of the image capture guide listwhen the image of MINOLOTA is superposed on the image of RICOH as shownin FIG. 58. In FIG. 58, the base image is formed with a recorded imageconsisting of the original number of pixels, but the image on the baseimage is formed by the size of 340×170.

As explained above, according to the seventeenth example, when theinstruction for post-recording in the image capture guide list indicatescombination of plural images, the plural images are combined to createone image file. Accordingly, a plurality of images can automatically becombined after recording the images, thus improving usability for theuser.

Eighteenth Example

The eighteenth example is explained with reference to FIG. 60. The flowchart in FIG. 60 shows the operation in the digital camera 100 accordingto the eighteenth example. In this eighteenth example, the operation inthe following case will be explained. This case is such that when theautomatic processing instruction information (instruction forpost-recording) in an image capture guide list indicates correction toplural images, the plural images are to be corrected after recording theimages.

In FIG. 60, the digital camera 100 is assumed to store the image captureguide list transferred from the personal computer 200 in the recordingsection 108. When the JOBNABI button 24 on the operating section 106 hasbeen pressed, the system control section 102 enters the image captureguide list mode, and reads out image titles in the image capture guidelist stored in the recording section 108 to display these titles on thedisplay section 104 (step S701). The system control section 101 furtherreads out the automatic processing instruction information (instructionfor post-recording) from the image capture guide list (step S702). Thesystem control section 101 then determines whether the automaticprocessing instruction information (instruction for post-recording)indicates correction to plural images (step S703). When it is determinedthat the automatic processing instruction information (instruction forpost-recording) indicates correction to plural images, the systemcontrol section 101 proceeds to step S704.

At step S704, an image title is selected and recording is performed.When the automatic processing instruction information (instruction forpost-recording) in the image capture guide list indicates correctionduring recording (step S705), the system control section 101 correctsparameters of recording such as exposure adjustment (step S706). Thesystem control section 101 then determines whether the predeterminednumber of recordings has been finished (step S707). When it isdetermined that the predetermined number of recordings has not beenfinished, the system control section 101 returns to step S704. On theother hand, when the predetermined number of recordings has beenfinished, the system control section 101 performs post-recordingcorrection, such as color correction or correction to distortion oflenses, on the recorded plural images (step S708). The corrected imagesare stored in the recording section 108 (step S709).

On the other hand, at step S703, when the instruction for post-recordingin the image capture guide list does not indicate correction to pluralimages, the system control section 101 proceeds to step S710. Recordingis performed in the normal image capture guide list mode, and therecorded image is stored in the recording section 108 as an image file(step S711).

Further, the digital camera 100 transfers the image capture guide listand the file (s) recorded using this image capture guide list to thepersonal computer 200. Accordingly, the user of the personal computer200, who has created this image capture guide list, can utilize theimage(s) recorded using this image capture guide list for making areport or the like. Thus, the usability of the image capture guide listfor its creator is improved.

As explained above, according to the eighteenth example, when theinstruction for post-recording in the image capture guide list indicatescorrection to plural images, the same processing of correction isautomatically executed on the plural images after recording the images,thus improving usability for the user. Therefore, this instruction isuseful for the case where the same processing of correction is to beperformed on the plural images.

Nineteenth Example

The nineteenth example is explained with reference to FIG. 61. The flowchart in FIG. 61 shows the operation in the digital camera 100 accordingto the nineteenth example. In this nineteenth example, the operation inthe following case will be explained. This case is such that shooting isperformed according to the instruction for recording conditions in animage capture guide list corresponding to a selected image title.

In FIG. 61, the digital camera 100 is connected to the personal computer200 to download image capture guide lists, and stores these lists in therecording section 108 (step S721). Each of these lists has its owntitle, image titles as targets to be recorded, and respective automaticprocessing instruction information (instruction for recordingconditions) registered therein in correlation with each of these imagetitles.

The system control section 102 determines whether the JOBNABI button 24on the operating section 106 has been pressed (step S722). When thebutton 24 has been pressed, the system control section 102 enters theimage capture guide list mode, and displays a list of the titles ofimage capture guide lists stored in the recording section 108 on thedisplay section 104 (step S723). The operator selects one out of theselist titles through operation of the touch panel operating section 107.The system control section 101 determines whether one of these listtitles has been selected (step S724). When selection has been made, thesystem control section 101 displays a list of image titles in theselected image capture guide list on the display section 104 (stepS725). The operator selects one out of these image titles throughoperation of the touch panel operating section 107. The system controlsection 101 determines whether one of these image titles has beenselected (step S726). When selection has been made, the system controlsection 101 shifts to the image capture guide list shooting mode toallow shooting to be ready (step S727). Accordingly, the user can selecta subject for the image title to take its picture.

The system control section 101 then determines whether the image captureguide list includes the automatic processing instruction information(instruction for recording conditions) corresponding to the selectedimage title (step S728). When it is determined that automatic processinginstruction information (instruction for recording conditions) isincluded, the system control section 101 sets the recording conditionsaccording to the automatic processing instruction information(instruction for recording conditions) (step S729). The shooting isexecuted under the set recording conditions (step S730), and therecorded image is stored in the recording section 108 (step S731). Onthe other hand, at step S728, when the image capture guide list does notinclude the automatic processing instruction information (instructionfor recording conditions) corresponding to the selected image title, thesystem control section 101 proceeds to step S732. Shooting is executedin the normal image capture guide list mode, and the shot image isstored in the recording section 108 as an image file (step S733).

The automatic processing instruction information (instruction forrecording conditions) included in the image capture guide list are asfollows: instruction of recording mode such as voice memo or motionpicture modes, date and time imprinting, posture of the camera such asit's angle and rotating angle, continuous shooting mode, focus mode,setting of a shutter speed, flash ON/OFF mode, redeye reduction ON/OFFmode, black and white mode, sepia mode, text recording mode to obtain asharp character with its enhanced edge, the number of pixels, acompression rate, autofocus mode, manual focus mode, fixing a distance,camera-shake correction ON/OFF mode, setting of white balance, signatureimprinting, setting of image quantities, setting the size of a subject,an aspect ratio, exposure mode, resolution, presence or absence ofencryption, and presence or absence of an electronic watermark, or thelike.

Further, the digital camera 100 transfers the image capture guide listand the file (s) recorded using this image capture guide list to thepersonal computer 200. Accordingly, the user of the personal computer200, who has created this image capture guide list, can utilize theimage(s) recorded using this image capture guide list for making areport or the like. Thus, the usability of the image capture guide listfor its creator is improved.

As explained above, according to the nineteenth example, the imagecapture guide list is displayed on the display section 104, an imagetitle is selected from the displayed image capture guide list, andshooting is performed according to the instruction for recordingconditions corresponding to the selected image title. Accordingly, usingthe image capture guide list can prevent the user from forgetting totake required pictures during shooting, and the shooting can beautomatically executed under the set recording conditions. Thus, it ispossible to perform shooting based on the instruction by the creator orinstructor of this image capture guide list.

Twelfth Example

The twelfth example is explained with reference to FIG. 62. The flowchart in FIG. 62 shows the operation in the digital camera 100 accordingto the twelfth example. In this twelfth example, the operation in thefollowing case will be explained. This case is such that an image titleis selected from an image capture guide list, and information to besuperposed for the selected image title is superposed on a captureimage.

In FIG. 62, the digital camera 100 is connected to the personal computer200 to download image capture guide lists, and stores these lists in therecording section 108 (step S741). Each of these lists includes imagetitles as targets to be recorded (see FIG. 6), and further, respectiveinformation to be superposed (such as images, text, or freehandcharacters) registered therein in correlation with each of these imagetitles.

The system control section 102 determines whether the JOBNABI button 24on the operating section 106 has been pressed (step S742). When thebutton 24 has been pressed, the system control section 102 enters theimage capture guide list mode, and displays a list of the titles ofimage capture guide lists stored in the recording section 108 on thedisplay section 104 (step S743). The operator selects one out of theselist titles through operation of the touch panel operating section 107.The system control section 101 determines whether one of these listtitles has been selected (step S744).

When selection has been made, the system control section 101 displays alist of image titles in the selected image capture guide list on thedisplay section 104 (step S745). The operator selects one out of theseimage titles through operation of the touch panel operating section 107.The system control section 101 determines whether one of these imagetitles has been selected (step S746). When selection has been made, thesystem control section 101 shifts to the shooting mode to allow shootingto be ready (step S747). A monitoring image is then displayed on thedisplay section 104. Accordingly, the user can select a subject for theimage title to take its picture.

The system control section 101 then determines whether the image captureguide list includes any information to be superposed for the selectedimage title (step S748). When it is determined that such information isincluded, shooting is executed according to the operation of the shutterrelease button 21, the shot image is displayed on the display section104, and the information to be superposed for the selected image titleis displayed by being superposed on this shot image (step S749). Theuser specifies a position at which the information to be superposed willbe superposed on the shot image through the operation of the touch paneloperating section 107 (step S750). Accordingly, the user can check theposition of the information to be superposed while viewing the shotimage.

The system control section 101 combines the information to besuperposed, whose position to be superposed is specified, with the shotimage to create a composite image, and stores this composite image inthe recording section 108 as an image file (step S751).

On the other hand, at step S748, when the image capture guide list doesnot include the information to be superposed for the selected imagetitle, the system control section 101 proceeds to step S752. Shooting isexecuted in the normal image capture guide list mode, and the shot imageis stored in the recording section 108 as an image file (step S753).

Further, the digital camera 100 transfers the image capture guide listand the file (s) recorded using this image capture guide list to thepersonal computer 200. Accordingly, the user of the personal computer200, who has created this image capture guide list, can utilize theimage(s) recorded using this image capture guide list for making areport or the like. Thus, the usability of the image capture guide listfor its creator is improved.

As explained above, according to the twelfth example, the image title isselected from the image capture guide list, and the information to besuperposed for the selected image title is combined with the shot image.Accordingly, using the image capture guide list can prevent the userfrom forgetting to take required pictures during shooting, and after theshooting, the information to be superposed relating to the shooting canbe combined with the recorded image to save it. Thus, the user cansmoothly carry out the operations.

EXAMPLES OF THE BROWSER FUNCTION OF THE DIGITAL CAMERA ACCORDING TO THISEMBODIMENT

A first example to a third example of using the browser function of thedigital camera 100 will be explained below. With the digital camera 100,the image capture guide list is downloaded from the home page of the Webserver, and Web information for a Web page of the Web server is alsocaptured using the browser function.

First Example

The first example is explained with reference to FIG. 63 to FIG. 65. Theflow chart in FIG. 63 shows the operation in the digital camera 100according to the first example. FIG. 64 and FIG. 65 show displayexamples of the LCD of the display section 104 in the first example. Inthis first example, the operation in the case of capturing image datafrom the Web server 300 will be explained.

In FIG. 63, in the digital camera 100, when the mode dial on theoperating section 106 is set to “communication mode” (step S1001), theselection menu is displayed on the LCD of the display section 104 (stepS1002). FIG. 8 shows the display example of this menu.

When “Web” is selected on the LCD of the display section 104 and thebutton [OK/ENTER] is pressed (step S1003), a setting/confirmation screenfor the connection information is displayed (step S1004). FIG. 9 showsthe setting/confirmation screen for the connection information. Theconnection information can be changed or confirmed on thissetting/confirmation screen for the connection information (step S1005).“CONNECT” is selected on the setting/confirmation screen for theconnection information (step S1006) to establish a connection to theInternet, and the browser screen will be displayed (step S1007). FIG. 64shows the display example of the browser screen. When an URL address isentered in an address information input area A1 on the browser screen(step S1008), a Web page of the specified URL address appears on thebrowser screen (step S1009). FIG. 65 shows the display example of theimage of a Web page on the browser screen. This browser screen hasvertical and horizontal scroll bars SC1 and SC2. By touching one ofthese bars with the stylus pen, the screen can be moved up and down,left and right. A part of the Web page is displayed on the LCD of thedisplay section 104. When any hidden part of the page on the screen isviewed, the display of the screen can be change by using the scroll barsSC1 and SC2 provided on the right side and the bottom of the screen.When the shutter release button 21 on the operating section 106 ispressed (step S1010), the image data for the entire displayed screen isrecorded in the recording section 108 in the format the same as that ofthe data for a picked-up image (e.g., GIF, TIFF, and JPEG formats) (stepS1011).

More specifically, the CPU 112 writes Web information downloaded througha communication card of the card slot section 110, from the Web serverover the network 400, in the frame memory 116 as display data. Thedisplay data written in the frame memory 116 is displayed on the displaysection 104 by the IPP 115. When the shutter release button 21 on theoperating section 106 is pressed, the display data in the frame memory116 is compressed in the IPP 115, and then written in the recordingsection 108 by the CPU 112 in the file format for the data for apicked-up image such as the EXIF format. That is, the Web information ishandled as image data the same as the data for a picked-up image, in anyof GIF, TIFF and JPEG formats, captured by an image pickup unit.

When an Web image is to be recorded, the range of a browsed image to becaptured (display area on the LCD) is enlarged or reduced by the zoomlever 22 on the operating section 106, so that the enlarged or reducedimage can be captured. That is, the zoom lever 22 used for a zoomingfunction of the camera section: the optical system and image pickup unitto adjust the size of a subject is used for adjusting the size of theWeb information screen to be downloaded. To be more specific, whendetecting input of the zoom lever 22 through the operating section 106,the CPU 112 performs enlargement/reduction of the display data in theframe memory 116, and the display on the display section 104 is changedto its enlarged size or reduced size according to the processing.

The case where the range of the browsed image to be captured (displayare on the LCD) is enlarged or reduced by the zoom lever 22 on theoperating section 106 will be explained below with reference to FIG. 66to FIG. 68. The actual Web page has such a screen as shown in FIG. 66A.The digital camera 100 has a small-sized LCD screen of the displaysection 104, therefore, only about one fourth of the actual screen canbe displayed as shown in FIG. 66B. As shown in FIG. 67, by operating thezoom lever 22 to << side, the image is reduced and the detail in itswide range is displayed. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 68, byoperating the zoom lever 22 to >> side, the image is enlarged and thedetail in its narrow range is displayed. Further, the area can be movedup to any part of the image that the user wants to view by using thescroll buttons 27.

Further, there is a method of using the function of shooting stillpictures in the continuous shooting mode, in which pictures are shotwhile the shutter release button is being pressed. By using thisfunction, the image of the Web page may be captured continuously bydividing this image into a plurality of images within the display areaon the LCD while scrolling the whole Web information to one partanother. In this case, the way to scroll for capturing can be specifiedto any of the clockwise direction, the counterclockwise direction, theN-shaped direction, or the inverted N-shaped direction. The area isdisplayed on the LCD each time it is captured.

Periodic access is made to a particular URL address of the image to bebrowsed, and the data may be downloaded. In this case, some time isrequired for accessing the Web information, that is, the time intervalcan not be set to the value less than the time required for accessing.Therefore, this access time can be set prior to setting of the shutterrelease time.

FIG. 69 shows the Web capture condition setting screen. “URL”, “Captureinterval”, and “Range to be captured” are set on this Web capturecondition setting screen. At first, the URL of a target to be capturedis set. The capture interval is then set. “0” represents the case ofaccessing not periodically, but only once. The range to be captured isthen set. If the user wants to select the whole screen, the whole Webpage obtained by accessing its URL is captured. When a part of the Webpage is selected, the range setting button becomes effective. When therange setting button is pressed, the browser is started, and a part ofthe range to be captured including enlarged or reduced range isdisplayed. After the range is displayed, [SAVE] is pressed and theconditions are set.

As explained above, according to the first example, the captured Webinformation after browsing is handled as image data the same as the datafor a picked-up image (in any of GIF, TIFF, and JPEG formats) capturedby the image pickup unit. Therefore, the Web information such as thebrowsed Web page can be captured as data for a picked-up image the sameas that captured by the optical system or the image pickup unit, thusfacilitating processing and management of the data.

The zoom lever used for the zooming function of the camera section, theoptical system and image pickup unit to adjust the size of a subject, isused for adjusting the size of the Web information screen to bedownloaded. Therefore, it is possible to freely set the capture range ofdata to be downloaded in much the same way shooting is performed withthe camera using the zoom lever.

The shutter release button is used for downloading the Web information.The Web information for a browsed Web page can be captured by pressingthe shutter release button. Therefore, the data can be captured in muchthe same way the shooting is performed with the digital camera. Thus, itis possible to provide a user-friendly interface.

The image of the Web page is captured continuously by dividing thisimage into a plurality of images within the display area on the LCDwhile scrolling the whole Web information to one part another.Therefore, it is possible to facilitate capturing of the data for theWeb page in much the same way the continuous shooting is performed withthe camera, which is one of the camera functions performing in thecontinuous shooting mode.

Periodic access is made to a particular URL of the images to be browsed,and the image data may be captured. Therefore, it is possible tofacilitate periodic capturing of data for the Web page in much the sameway the interval shooting is performed with the camera.

The image data captured from the Web server 300 is combined with thefreehand memo information. Therefore, the freehand memo information canbe superposed on the Web information on a browsed Web page, which makesit possible to superpose related information on the image. Thus, theuser's intention can clearly be expressed in a simple manner.

Further, the voice memo information is added to the downloaded data forthe browsing image. Therefore, related voice memo can easily be added tothe Web information on the browsed Web page in much the same way theshooting is performed with the camera.

Second Example

The second example is explained with reference to FIG. 70. The flowchart in FIG. 70 shows the operation in the digital camera 100 accordingto the second example. FIG. 38 to FIG. 41, as mentioned above, showdisplay examples on the LCD of the display section 104 in the secondexample. In this second example, the operation in the following casewill be explained. This case is such that Web information is capturedfrom the Web server 300 and the URL address and e-mail address arewritten in the header of the image file of the captured Web information.

In FIG. 70, in the digital camera 100, when the mode dial on theoperating section 106 is set to “communication mode” (step S1011), theselection menu is displayed on the LCD of the display section 104 (stepS1012). FIG. 8, as mentioned above, shows the display example of thismenu.

When “Web” is selected on the LCD of the display section 104 and thebutton [OK/ENTER] is pressed (step S1013), the setting/confirmationscreen for the connection information is displayed (step S1014). FIG. 9,as mentioned above, shows this setting/confirmation screen for theconnection information. The connection information can be changed orconfirmed on this setting/confirmation screen for the connectioninformation (step S1015). “CONNECT” is selected on thesetting/confirmation screen (step S1016) to establish a connection tothe Internet, and the browser screen will be displayed (step S1017).FIG. 64, as mentioned above, shows the display example of the browserscreen. When an URL address is entered in an address information inputarea A1 on the browser screen (step S1018), the Web page of thespecified URL address is displayed on the browser screen (step S1019).FIG. 65, as mentioned above, shows the display example of the image ofthe Web page on the browser screen. This browser screen has vertical andhorizontal scroll bars SC1 and SC2. By touching one of these bars withthe stylus pen, the screen can be moved up and down, left and right. Apart of the Web page is displayed on the LCD of the display section 104.When any hidden part of the image on the screen is viewed, the displayof the screen can be changed by using the scroll bars SC1 and SC2provided on the right side and the bottom of the screen. When theshutter release button 21 on the operating section 106 is pressed (stepS1020), the image data for the whole screen currently displayed isrecorded in the recording section 108 in the predetermined format thesame as the data for a picked-up image, such as the EXIF format. In thiscase, this image data is also recorded in the recording section 108 withthe URL or the e-mail address, obtained when the image has beencaptured, written in the header of the file (step S1021). That is, thecaptured Web information is handled as image data the same as the imagedata picked-up by the image pickup unit, such as the data in the EXIFformat.

In this second example, by using the functions of managing the capturedstill pictures with folders and analyzing or layering URLs to bebrowsed, the image files of the browsed images may be classified intothose to be stored in the respective folders depending on the contentsof the URLs, for each URL address.

When the URL or the e-mail address is recorded in the header of theimage file of the image data played back, the browser screen or thee-mail sending screen may be displayed when the image data is clicked.According to this feature, when the URL of the captured Web informationor the e-mail address attached to this information is written in theheader, only clicking on the image allows the Web browser to start up ifthe URL is in the file, and the e-mail sending screen to start up if thee-mail address is in the file. Further, when the e-mail address has thestructure of a plurality of mailing lists, automatic selection andspecification of an address may be enabled instead of the addressdirectory.

As explained above, according to the second example, the URL of thecaptured Web information or the attached e-mail address is written inthe header of the image file such as the EXIF file. Therefore, the URLof the Web information for the Web page, which has been captured in muchthe same way the shooting is performed with the camera, can easily beconfirmed, thus being capable of accessing the Web page.

The digital camera has the function of analyzing URLs to be browsed byusing the function of managing the captured still pictures with folders.By using this function, the captured image data that has been browsed isclassified into those to be stored in the respective folders dependingon the contents of the URLs. Therefore, the Web information for thecaptured Web pages can be classified into those to be stored inrespective folders for each Web page, for example.

When the captured Web information has its own URL or the e-mail addressattached to this information, only clicking on the image allows the Webbrowser to start up if the URL is in its image file, and the e-mailsending screen to startup if the e-mail address is in the file.Therefore, when the URL or the e-mail address has been recorded in thecaptured image, only by clicking on the image, the browser screen or thee-mail sending screen can be started, thus improving the user interface.

Third Example

The third example is explained with reference to FIG. 71. The flow chartin FIG. 71 shows the operation in the digital camera 100 according tothe third example. FIG. 64 and FIG. 38 to FIG. 41, as mentioned above,show display examples on the LCD of the display section 104 in the thirdexample. In this third example, the operation in the following case willbe explained. This case is such that Web information is captured fromthe Web server 300 and memo information is superposed on the capturedWeb information.

In FIG. 71, in the digital camera 100, when the mode dial on theoperating section 106 is set to “communication mode” (step S1031), theselection menu is displayed on the LCD of the display section 104 (stepS1032). FIG. 8, as mentioned above, shows the display example of thismenu.

When “Web” is selected on the LCD of the display section 104 and thebutton [OK/ENTER] is pressed (step S1033), the setting/confirmationscreen for the connection information is displayed (step S1034). FIG. 9,as mentioned above, shows this setting/confirmation screen for theconnection information. The connection information can be changed orconfirmed on this setting/confirmation screen for the connectioninformation (step S1035). “CONNECT” is selected on thesetting/confirmation screen (step S1036) to establish a connection tothe Internet, and the browser screen will be displayed (step S1037).FIG. 64 shows the display example of the browser screen. When an URLaddress is entered in an address information input area A1 on thebrowser screen (step S1038), the Web page of the specified URL addressis displayed on the browser screen (step S1039). FIG. 65 shows thedisplay example of the image of the Web page on the browser screen. Thisbrowser screen has vertical and horizontal scroll bars SC1 and SC2. Bytouching one of these bars with the stylus pen, the screen can be movedup and down, left and right. A part of the Web page is displayed on theLCD of the display section 104. When any hidden part of the image on thescreen is viewed, the display of the screen can be changed by using thescroll bars SC1 and SC2 provided on the right side and the bottom of thescreen. When the shutter release button 21 on the operating section 106is pressed (step S1040), the menu, not shown, for making a selection ofwhether “the memo information is superposed” is displayed (step S1041).Such selection is made on this menu (step S1042). When “Do not superposethe memo information” is selected, the image data for the whole screencurrently displayed is recorded in the recording section 108 in thepredetermined format the same as the data for a picked-up image, forexample, in any of the GIF, TIFF, and JPEG formats (step S1043).

On the other hand, at step S1042, when “superpose the memo information”is selected, the superposing position is specified on this screen (stepS1044), and the memo information such as text is entered through theon-screen keypad (step S1045). Further, the entered memo information issuperposed on the specified position of the image data on the screen,and the composite image is recording section 108 in the predeterminedformat the same as the data for a picked-up image, for example, in anyof the GIF, TIFF, and JPEG formats (step S1046). FIG. 72 shows a displayexample of the display section 104 when the memo information such astext is superposed on the captured image.

In this third example, the text entered through the on-screen keypad asthe memo information is superposed on the specified position of theimage data. However, the memo information such as templates, which havebeen previously stored in the recording section 108, may be superposedon the specified position of the image data.

Any mark as memo information (such as a circle, a star, or an arrow)used for identifying a specified position is previously recorded in therecording section 108 in the BMP format or in the text format. The markmay be superposed on a predetermined position of the captured Webinformation or a specified superposing position. Further, by using thefunction of imprinting the date to a captured still picture, the date orthe date and time may be imprinted to a specified position of the imagewhen it is captured.

As explained above, according to the third example, any position on thecaptured Web information can be freely specified. Memo information astext is superposed on the specified position, or memo information suchas any of the templates previously stored in the recording section 108is superposed on a specified position of the captured Web information.Therefore, required information can be superposed on the Webinformation. Thus, the user's intention can clearly be expressed in asimple manner.

Any mark as memo information (such as a circle, a star, and an arrow)used for identifying a specified position is previously recorded in therecording section 108 in the BMP format or in the text format. The markis superposed on a predetermined position of the captured Webinformation or a specified position. Therefore, any mark as memoinformation to identify a position can be superposed on the information.

Further, by using the function of imprinting the date to the capturedstill picture, the date of the captured image is imprinted to aspecified position of the image when it is captured. Therefore, the dateeasily be imprinted to the Web information for the Web page captured inmuch the same way the shooting is performed with the camera.

EXAMPLES OF THE PERSONAL COMPUTER ACCORDING TO THIS EMBODIMENT

A first example to an eleventh example will be explained below. Theseexamples are provided for cases in which an image capture guide list iscreated on a PC, shooting is performed using the image capture guidelist created on the PC with the digital camera, and this shot image isused on the PC.

First Example

The first example is explained with reference to FIG. 73. The flow chartin FIG. 73 shows the operation in the digital camera 100 according tothe first example. In this first example, the operation in the followingcase will be explained. This case is such that the model of an imagecapture guide list format is defined on the personal computer 200, theimage capture guide list in which the model of the device is describedis transferred to the digital camera 100, and shooting is executed basedon the image capture guide list when the model of the digital camera 100matches the model specified in the image capture guide list.

An image capture guide list including the model code of the digitalcamera is created on the personal computer 200 (See a second example toa fifth example for the actual method for creating the image captureguide list). This image capture guide list includes image titles astargets to be recorded, and further the contents of shooting instructionis registered in this list in correlation with the respective imagetitles. The digital camera 100 is connected to the personal computer 200to download the image capture guide list and store this image captureguide list in the recording section 108.

In FIG. 73, the system control section 101 reads out the image captureguide list from the recording section 108 (step S2001), and reads in thecontents of shooting instruction (step S2002). The system controlsection 101 reads in the model name from the image capture guide list(step S2003), and determines whether the model name of its own and themodel name in the image capture guide list match with each other (stepS2004). When it is determined that both of the two fail to match, theprocessing is returned. On the other hand, when these two match witheach other, the system control section 101 reads in the correspondingimage capture guide list (step S2005). Shooting is performed based onthe image capture guide list (step S2006).

As explained above, according to the first example, the personalcomputer 200 defines the model name of the digital camera in the imagecapture guide list and transfers the image capture guide list with it'sadequate model name described, to the digital camera 100. On the otherhand, shooting is executed with the digital camera 100 based on thisimage capture guide list when the model of its own and the model in theimage capture guide list match with each other. Therefore, in thedigital camera side, forgetting to take required images can be preventedby performing shooting according to the image capture guide list. Thus,it is possible to perform shooting according to the instruction by theinstructor or the creator of this guide list.

Further, the digital camera 100 transfers the image capture guide listand the file (s) recorded using this image capture guide list (such asan image file of a capture image) to the personal computer 200.Accordingly, the user of the personal computer 200, who has created thisimage capture guide list, can utilize the image (s) recorded using thisimage capture guide list for making a report or the like. Thus, theusability of the image capture guide list for its creator is improved.

Second Example

The second example is explained with reference to FIG. 74. The flowchart in FIG. 74 shows the operation in the personal computer 200according to the second example. In this second example, the operationin the following case will be explained. This case is such that an imagecapture guide list adequate for the model of the digital camera iscreated on the personal computer 200, and this guide list is transferredto the digital camera 100.

In FIG. 74, the program for the digital camera is started on thepersonal computer 200 to specify the model of a digital camera as aparameter of the image capture guide list by the user through operationof the input section 201 (step S2011). the operator creates an imagecapture guide list adequate for the specified model using the modeltable (step S2012). Alternatively, when the model is specified, themacro may be started to automatically create the image capture guidelist adequate for the specified model using the model table. This imagecapture guide list describes image titles as targets to be recorded andthe contents of shooting instruction relating to each of the imagetitles.

The personal computer 200 reads in the model name (model code) of theconnected digital camera 100 (step S2013), and determines whether themodel name specified in the image capture guide list and the model nameof the camera connected to the computer 200 match with each other (stepS2014).

When it is determined that these two match with each other, the personalcomputer 200 transfers the created image capture guide list to thedigital camera 100 (step S2015). On the other hand, when these two failto match, the guide list uploading error is displayed on the displaysection (step S2016).

As explained above, according to the second example, the operatorcreates an image capture guide list adequate for the model of thedigital camera on the personal computer 200 and transfers this guidelist to the digital camera. Therefore, the image capture guide listadequate for the model of the connected digital camera can be createdand transferred. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the operabilityof creation and transfer of the image capture guide list and theoperability in the digital camera, thus improving usability for theuser.

Further, on the personal computer 200, the operator acquires the modelcode of the connected digital camera, and creates the image captureguide list adequate for the model of the connected digital camera byusing the model table in which available functions for each model of thedigital cameras are registered. However, the operator may acquire themodel code and information for it's available functions from theconnected digital camera and create an image capture guide list adequatefor the model of the connected digital camera.

Third Example

The third example is explained with reference to FIG. 75. The flow chartin FIG. 75 shows the operation in the personal computer according to thethird example. In this third example, the operation in the followingcase will be explained. This case is such that an image capture guidelist adequate for the model of the digital camera is created on thepersonal computer 200 and this guide list is transferred to the digitalcamera 100.

In FIG. 75, the program for the digital camera is started on thepersonal computer 200 to read in the model name (model code) of theconnected digital camera 100 from this digital camera 100 (step S2021).The operator then creates an image capture guide list adequate for theread-in model using the model table (step S2022). Alternatively, themacro may be started to automatically create the image capture guidelist adequate for the read-in model by referring to the model table.This image capture guide list describes image titles as targets to berecorded and the contents of the shooting instruction relating to eachof the image titles. The created image capture guide list is transferredto the digital camera 100 (step S2023).

As explained above, according to the third example, the model of theconnected digital camera is read out on the personal computer 200, andthe image capture guide list adequate for the model of the digitalcamera is created to transfer the guide list to the digital camera.Therefore, the image capture guide list that is adequate for the modelof the connected digital camera can be created and transferred.Accordingly, it is possible to improve the operability of creation andtransfer of the image capture guide list and the operability in thedigital camera, thus improving usability for the user.

The model code of the connected digital camera is acquired on thepersonal computer 200, and the image capture guide list adequate for themodel of the connected digital camera is created by using the modeltable in which available functions for each model of the digital camerasare registered. However, the model code and the information for itsavailable functions may be acquired from the connected digital camera,and the image capture guide list adequate for the model of the connecteddigital camera may be created.

Fourth Example

The fourth example is explained with reference to FIG. 76. The flowchart in FIG. 76 shows the operation in the personal computer accordingto the fourth example. In this fourth example, the operation executed onthe personal computer 200 in the following case will be explained. Thiscase is such that a file describing the model or the like is read outfrom the digital camera connected to the personal computer 200, an imagecapture guide list adequate for the model in the read-out file iscreated, and this guide list is transferred to the digital camera 100.

In FIG. 76, the program for the digital camera is started on thepersonal computer 200 to read in the file describing the model name(model code) of the digital camera from this connected digital camera100 (step S2031). The operator then creates an image capture guide listadequate for the model in the read-in file using the model table (stepS2032). Alternatively, the macro may be started to automatically createan image capture guide list adequate for the read-in model by referringto the model table. This image capture guide list describes image titlesas targets to be recorded and the contents of the shooting instructionrelating to each of the image titles. The created image capture guidelist is transferred to the digital camera 100 (step S2033).

As explained above, according to the fourth example, the file describingthe model name of the digital camera is read out from the connecteddigital camera on the personal computer 200, an image capture guide listadequate for the read-out model is created and transferred to thedigital camera. Therefore, the image capture guide list that is adequatefor the model of the connected digital camera can be created andtransferred. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the operability ofcreation and transfer of the image capture guide list and theoperability in the digital camera, thus improving usability for theuser.

The model code of the connected digital camera is acquired on thepersonal computer 200, and the shooting instruction list adequate forthe model of the connected digital camera is created by using the modeltable in which available functions for each model of the digital camerasare registered. However, the model code and the information for itsavailable functions may be acquired from the connected digital camera,and the image capture guide list adequate for the model of the connecteddigital camera may be created.

Fifth Example

The fifth example is explained with reference to FIG. 77. The flow chartin FIG. 77 shows the operation in the personal computer side accordingto the fifth example. In this fifth example, the operation executed onthe personal computer 200 in the following case will be explained. Thiscase is such that the header of the recorded file of the connecteddigital camera is read out from this connected digital camera, an imagecapture guide list adequate for the model code (model name) stored inthe header is created, and this guide list is transferred to the digitalcamera.

In FIG. 77, the program for the digital camera is started on thepersonal computer 200 to read in the header of the recorded file (suchas the file in the EXIF format) stored in the recording section 108 orin the card slot section 110 of the connected digital camera (stepS2041). The EXIF format file stores the information such as model codein its header. The operator then creates an image capture guide listadequate for the model code (model name) in the read-in header using themodel table (step S2042). Alternatively, the macro may be started toautomatically create an image capture guide list adequate for theread-in model code by referring to the model table. This image captureguide list describes image titles as targets to be recorded and thecontents of the shooting instruction relating to each of the imagetitles. The created image capture guide list is transferred to thedigital camera 100 (step S2043).

As explained above, according to the fifth example, the header of therecorded file of the connected digital camera is read out on thepersonal computer 200. The image capture guide list adequate for themodel code in the read-out header is created and transferred to thedigital camera. Therefore, the image capture guide list that is adequatefor the model of the connected digital camera can be created andtransferred. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the operability ofcreation and transfer of the image capture guide list and theoperability in the digital camera, thus improving usability for theuser.

The model code of the connected digital camera is acquired on thepersonal computer 200, and the shooting instruction list adequate forthe model of the connected digital camera is created by using the modeltable in which available functions for each model of the digital camerasare registered. However, the model code and the information for itsavailable functions may be acquired from the connected digital camerawithout using the model table and the image capture guide list adequatefor the model of the connected digital camera may be created based onthe information for the available functions.

Sixth Example

The sixth example is explained with reference to FIG. 78. The flow chartin FIG. 78 shows the operation in the personal computer according to thesixth example. In this sixth example, the operation executed on thepersonal computer in the following case will be explained. This case issuch that information for the position of a cell to be selected as animage title is previously embedded in a macro program for a template,and the macro program is started to automatically create an imagecapture guide list and transfer this guide list to the digital camera.

In FIG. 78, the macro for creating an image capture guide list isstarted on the personal computer 200, and the spreadsheet type screen isdisplayed. It is determined whether a button [Create Image CaptureGuidefile] has been pressed (step S2051). When it is determined thatthis button has been pressed, the items (image titles) described in theselected cells are arranged in list form (step S2052) to create an imagecapture guide list file (step S2053). FIG. 79 shows an example of thespreadsheet type screen. The information for the positions of the cellsB3 to B7 is previously embedded in the macro program as positioninformation for the cells from which image titles are selected. Theimage titles of “Item No. 1”, “Item No. 2”, “Item No. 3”, “Item No. 4”,and “Item No. 5” are entered in the respective cells B3 to B7 by theuser through operation of the input section 201. When the button [CreateImage Capture Guidefile] is pressed, the image titles of “Item No. 1”,“Item No. 2”, “Item No. 3”, “Item No. 4”, and “Item No. 5” in the cellsB3 to B7 are read out to create an image capture guide list file.

It is determined whether the digital camera is connected to the personalcomputer 200 (step S2054). When the digital camera is connected, theprocessing proceeds to step S2055, and the image capture guide list fileis transferred to the digital camera 100.

As explained above, in the personal computer 200 according to the sixthexample, the information for positions of the cells to be taken out asimage titles are previously embedded in the macro program for thetemplate. Therefore, this macro is started to automatically create theimage capture guide list and transfer this guide list to the digitalcamera. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the operability ofcreation and transfer of the image capture guide list and theoperability in the digital camera, thus improving usability for theuser.

Seventh Example

The seventh example is explained with reference to FIG. 80. The f lowchart in FIG. 80 shows the operations in the personal computer and inthe digital camera according to the seventh example. In this seventhexample, the operation executed on the personal computer in thefollowing case will be explained. This case is such that the positionsof cells are specified, and the macro is started to automatically createan image capture guide list and transfer this guide list to the digitalcamera.

In the personal computer 200 in FIG. 80, the macro for creating an imagecapture guide list is started, and the spreadsheet type screen isdisplayed on the display section 202. Image titles are entered in thecells on the spreadsheet type screen. It is then determined whether thebutton [Create Image Capture Guidefile] has been pressed (step S2061).When it is determined that this button has been pressed, the positionsof the cells are specified, and the items entered in the selected cellsare arranged in list form (step S2062) to create an image capture guidelist file (step S2063). It is determined whether the digital camera isconnected (step S2064). When the digital camera is connected, theprocessing proceeds to step S2065, and the image capture guide list fileis transferred to the digital camera.

FIG. 79 shows an example of the spreadsheet type screen. For example,the image titles of “Item No. 1”, “Item No. 2”, “Item No. 3”, “Item No.4”, and “Item No. 5” are entered in the respective cells B3 to B7 by theuser through operation of the input section 201. When the cells B3 to B7are selected and the button [Create Image Capture Guidefile] is pressedby the user through the operation of the input section 201, the imagetitles of “Item No. 1”, “Item No. 2”, “Item No. 3”, “Item No. 4”, and“Item No. 5” in the cells B3 to B7 are read out to create an imagecapture guide list file, in which “Item No. 1”, “Item No. 2”, “Item No.3”, “Item No. 4”, and “Item No. 5” are arranged in list form.

In the digital camera 100, on the other hand, it is determined whetherthe personal computer (PC) 200 is connected (step S2071). When thepersonal computer 200 is connected, the processing proceeds to stepS2072, and it is determined whether the image capture guide list hasbeen received from the personal computer 200. When the image captureguide list has been received from the personal computer 200, it isdetermined whether this image capture guide list is adequate for its ownmodel (step S2073). When this image capture guide list is adequate, thedigital camera 100 reads in the image capture guide list (step S2074).It is then determined whether the image capture guide list shooting modeis available (step S2075). When the image capture guide list shootingmode is available, shooting is performed according to the image titlesin the image capture guide list (step S2076).

As explained above, in the personal computer 200 according to theseventh example, the positions of cells to be taken out as image titlesare specified by the user. The macro is then started to automaticallyread out the image titles in the selected cells to create an imagecapture guide list and transfer this guide list to the digital camera.Accordingly, it is possible to improve the operability of creation andtransfer of the image capture guide list and the operability in thedigital camera, thus improving usability for the user.

Eighth Example

The eighth example is explained with reference to FIG. 81. The flowchartin FIG. 81 shows the operations in the personal computer and in thedigital camera according to the eighth example. In this eighth example,the operation executed on the personal computer in the following casewill be explained. This case is such that the position of cells arespecified, and the macro is started to automatically create an imagecapture guide list including shooting instruction items and transferthis guide list to the digital camera.

In the personal computer 200, the macro for creating an image captureguide list is started to display the spreadsheet type screen on thedisplay section 202. It is determined whether the button [Create ImageCapture Guidefile] has been pressed (step S2081). When it is determinedthat this button has been pressed, the positions of the cells arespecified, and the image titles described in the selected cells and therespective shooting instruction items relating to the image titles areread in (step S2082). The image capture guide list file including theimage titles and the respective shooting instruction items relating tothe image titles is created (step S2083).

FIG. 82 shows another example of the spreadsheet type screen. The imagetitles of “Item No. 1”, “Item No. 2”, “Item No. 3”, “Item No. 4”, and“Item No. 5” are entered in the respective cells B3 to B7 by the userthrough operation of the input section 201. Further, the shootinginstruction items of “Picture of person A”, “Picture of person B”,“Picture of person C”, “Picture of person D”, and “Picture of person E”are entered in the cells C3 to C7. When the cells B3 to B7 are selectedby the user through the operation of the input section 201 and thebutton [Create Image Capture Guidefile] is pressed, the image titles of“Item No. 1”, “Item No. 2”, “Item No. 3”, “Item No. 4”, and “Item No. 5”in the cells B3 to B7 are read out. Further, the shooting instructionitems of “Picture of person A”, “Picture of person B”, “Picture ofperson C”, “Picture of person D”, and “Picture of person E” in the cellsC3 to C7 relating to these respective image titles are read out tocreate an image capture guide list file including these image titles andthe shooting instruction items (shooting instruction information).

It is determined whether the digital camera 100 is connected (stepS2084). When the digital camera 100 is connected, the processingproceeds to step S2085, and the image capture guide list file istransferred to the digital camera 100.

In the digital camera 100, on the other hand, it is determined whetherthe personal computer (PC) is connected (step S2091). When the personalcomputer is connected, the processing proceeds to step S2092, and it isdetermined whether the image capture guide list has been received fromthe personal computer. When the image capture guide list has beenreceived from the personal computer, it is determined whether this imagecapture guide list is adequate for its own model (step S2093). When thisimage capture guide list is adequate, the digital camera 100 reads inthe shooting instruction items described in the image capture guide list(step S2094). It is then determined whether the image capture guide listshooting mode is available (step S2095). When the image capture guidelist shooting mode is available, shooting is executed according to theimage titles in the image capture guide list (step S2096).

As explained above, in the personal computer 200 according to the eighthexample, the positions of cells to be taken out as image titles arespecified by the user. The macro is then started to automatically createthe image capture guide list file including the shooting instructionitems, and transfer this guide list file to the digital camera.Accordingly, it is possible to improve the operability of creation andtransfer of the image capture guide list and the operability in thedigital camera, thus improving usability for the user.

Ninth Example

The ninth example is explained with reference to FIG. 83. The flowchartin FIG. 83 shows the operations in the personal computer and in thedigital camera side according to the ninth example. In this ninthexample, the operation executed on the personal computer in thefollowing case will be explained. This case is such that the positionsof cells to be selected as image titles and the positions in whichimages are pasted are specified, and the image title and the size of thecell in which the image is pasted are read out to automatically createan image capture guide list and transfer this guide list to the digitalcamera.

In the personal computer 200 in FIG. 83, the macro for creating an imagecapture guide list is started, and the spreadsheet type screen isdisplayed on the display section 202. It is determined whether thebutton [Create Image Capture Guidefile] has been pressed (step S2101).When it is determined that this button has been pressed, the items(image titles) described in the positions of selected cells are arrangedin list form (step S2102). The positions of the cells in which theimages are to be pasted are specified, and the size of the specifiedcells is read in to create an image capture guide list file includingthe image titles and the size of the cells of the images to be pasted(step S2103).

FIG. 84 shows another example of the spreadsheet type screen. The imagetitles of “Item No. 1”, “Item No. 2”, “Item No. 3”, and “Item No. 4” areentered in the respective cells B4 to B7 by the user through operationof the input section 201. Further, when the button [Create Image CaptureGuidefile] is pressed by the user through the operation of the inputsection 201 and the cells B4 to B7 to be selected as image titles areselected, the image titles of “Item No. 1”, “Item No. 2”, “Item No. 3”,and “Item No. 4” in the cells B4 to B7 are read out. When cells C4 to C7in which images are to be pasted are selected, the respective sizes ofthe cells C4 to C7 are read out to create an image capture guide listfile, in which “Size of the cell C4”, “Size of the cell C5”, “Size ofthe cell C6”, and “Size of the cell C7” are correlated with the imagetitles of “Item No. 1”, “Item No. 2”, “Item No. 3”, and “Item No. 4”,respectively.

It is determined whether the digital camera is connected (step S2104).When the digital camera is connected, the processing proceeds to stepS2105, and the image capture guide list file including the image titlesand the pasting sizes is transferred to the digital camera 100.

In the digital camera 100, on the other hand, it is determined whetherthe personal computer (PC) is connected (step S2111). When the personalcomputer is connected, the processing proceeds to step S2112, and it isdetermined whether the image capture guide list has been received fromthe personal computer. When the image capture guide list has beenreceived from the personal computer, it is determined whether this imagecapture guide list is adequate for its own model (step S2113). When thisimage capture guide list is adequate, the digital camera 100 reads inthe shooting items described in the image capture guide list (stepS2114).

It is then determined whether the image capture guide list shooting modeis available (step S2115). When the image capture guide list shootingmode is available, the digital camera reads in the pasting sizes in theimage capture guide list (step S2116). Images are shot according to thepasting sizes (step S2117). More specifically, the data for the shotimage is changed to the size based on the pasting size. After theshooting, it is determined whether the shooting of all the images hasbeen finished. When the shooting of all the images has not beenfinished, the processing proceeds to step S2116, and the same processingis repeated until the shooting has been finished (step S2118).

As explained above, in the personal computer 200 according to the ninthexample, the positions of the cells to be selected as image titles andthe positions of the cells in which images are pasted are specified. Theimage titles and the sizes of such cells are read out to automaticallycreate the image capture guide list and transfer this guide list to thedigital camera. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the operabilityof creation and transfer of the image capture guide list and theoperability in the digital camera, thus improving usability for theuser.

Tenth Example

The tenth example is explained with reference to FIG. 85. The flowchartin FIG. 85 shows the operations in the personal computer and in thedigital camera according to the tenth example. In this tenth example,the operation executed on the personal computer in the following casewill be explained. This case is such that dummy images are previouslypasted on to text, and the sizes of the images are read out toautomatically create an image capture guide list including the imagesize and transfer this guide list to the digital camera.

In the personal computer 200 in FIG. 85, the macro for creating an imagecapture guide list is started to display the spreadsheet type screen onthe display section 202 and paste dummy images in the position in whichimages are to be pasted (step S2121). It is determined whether thebutton [Create Image Capture Guidefile] has been pressed (step S2122).When it is determined that this button has been pressed, the imagetitles described in the selected cells are arranged in list form (stepS2123). The dummy images entered in the pasting positions are read in,and the sizes (pasting sizes) of the dummy images are calculated tocreate an capture guide list file including the image titles and thesizes of the dummy images relating to the image titles (step S2124).

FIG. 86 shows another example of the spreadsheet type screen. The imagetitles of “Item No. 1”, “Item No. 2”, “Item No. 3”, and “Item No. 4” areentered in the respective cells B4 to B7 by the user through operationof the input section 201. Further, “Dummy image No. 1”, “Dummy image No.2”, “Dummy image No. 3”, and “Dummy image No. 4” are pasted in the cellsC4 to C7. When the button [Create Image Capture Guidefile] is pressed bythe user through the operation of the input section 201 and the cells B4to B7 to be selected as the image titles are selected, the image titlesof “Item No. 1”, “Item No. 2”, “Item No. 3”, and “Item No. 4” in thecells B4 to B7 are read out. When cells C4 to C7 in which the dummyimages have been pasted are selected, the respective sizes of the dummyimages pasted in the cells C4 to C7 are calculated to create an imagecapture guide list file, in which “Size of the dummy image No. 1”, “Sizeof the dummy image No. 2”, “Size of the dummy image No. 3”, and “Size ofthe dummy image No. 4” are correlated with the image titles of “Item No.1”, “Item No. 2”, “Item No. 3”, and “Item No. 4”, respectively.

It is determined whether the digital camera is connected (step S2125).When the digital camera is connected, the processing proceeds to stepS2126, and the image capture guide list file including the image titlesand the pasting sizes is transferred to the digital camera.

In the digital camera 100, on the other hand, it is determined whetherthe personal computer (PC) is connected (step S2131). When the personalcomputer is connected, the processing proceeds to step S2132, and it isdetermined whether the image capture guide list has been received fromthe personal computer. When the image capture guide list has beenreceived from the personal computer, it is determined whether this imagecapture guide list is adequate for its own model (step S2133). When thisimage capture guide list is adequate, the digital camera 100 reads inthe shooting items described in the image capture guide list (stepS2134).

It is then determined whether the image capture guide list shooting modeis available (step S2135). When the image capture guide list shootingmode is available, the pasting sizes are read in from the image captureguide list (step S2136). Images are shot according to the pasting sizes(step S2137). After the shooting, it is determined whether the shootingof all the images has been finished (step S2138). When the shooting ofall the images has not been finished, the processing proceeds to stepS2136, and the same processing is repeated until the shooting has beenfinished (steps S2136 to S2138).

As explained above, in the personal computer 200 according to the tenthexample, the dummy images are previously pasted on the screen. The sizesof the dummy images are read out to create the image capture guide listincluding the image sizes and transfer this guide list to the digitalcamera. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the operability ofcreation and transfer of the image capture guide list and theoperability in the digital camera, thus improving usability for theuser.

Eleventh Example

The eleventh example is explained with reference to FIG. 87. The flowchart in FIG. 87 shows the operation in the personal computer 200according to the eleventh example. In this eleventh example, theoperation in the following case will be explained. This case is suchthat the file of an image recorded according to the image capture guidelist with the digital camera is read into the personal computer, and therecorded image is pasted in the image capture guide list.

In FIG. 87, in the personal computer 200, it is determined whether theimage capture guide list read-in mode is available (step S2141). Whenthe image capture guide list read-in mode is available, it is thendetermined whether the digital camera is connected (step S2142). Whenthe digital camera is connected, the recorded image capture guide listwithin the connected digital camera is read in together with the imagefile (step S2143).

It is determined whether read-in has been finished (step S2144). Whenread-in has been finished, the size adequate for the pasting position ofthe cell is read in (step S2145). The size of the read-in image ischanged to the size of the cell (step S2146). Further, it is determinedwhether the image size has been changed (step S2147). When the imagesize has been changed, the changed image is pasted in the specifiedposition of the cell (step S2148).

FIG. 84, as mentioned above, shows the spreadsheet type screen. In FIG.84, the cells C4 to C7 in which the images are pasted are selected, thesizes of the cells C4 to C7 are read in, and the images No. 1 to No. 4recorded with the digital camera are changed to these cell sizes. Theseimages are pasted in the cells C4 to C7 as shown in FIG. 88.

As explained above, according to the eleventh example, the personalcomputer 200 reads in the files of the images recorded according to theimage capture guide list with the digital camera, and pastes theserecorded images in the image capture guide list. Accordingly, editing ofthe images recorded according to the image capture guide list isfacilitated, thus improving usability for the user.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited by theembodiment and may be embodied in modified forms without departing fromthe spirit of the invention. Although the examples in which the imageinput apparatus according to this invention is applied in the digitalcamera are explained in the embodiment of this invention, this inventionis not limited to this application, but is applicable to any othermobile information input device such as PDA.

As explained above, according to one aspect of this invention, theoptical system forms an image of a subject, and the image pickup unitconverts the formed subject image to image data. The image capture guidelist input unit inputs image capture guide lists each including at leastone of image titles representing targets to be recorded. The storageunit stores the image capture guide lists input through the imagecapture guide list input unit. The image title display unit displays theimage title (s) included in one of the image capture guide lists storedin the storage unit on the screen of the display device. Therefore,shooting can be performed while checking the image title(s) in the imagecapture guide list. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent forgetting totake required pictures, thus improving usability for the user.

Further, the image capture guide list display unit displays the imagecapture guide lists stored in the storage unit in list form on thescreen of the display device, and the image capture guide list selectionunit selects one from the image capture guide lists displayed on thescreen. The image title display unit displays the image title (s)included in the image capture guide list selected by the image captureguide list selection unit. Therefore, in addition to the effect due tothe invention, it is possible to select a desired image capture guidelist from the plurality of image capture guide list.

Further, the image capture guide list is input from the informationprocessing device. Therefore, in addition to the effect due to theinvention, it is possible to input the image capture guide list from theimage processing device.

Further, the image capture guide list is downloaded from the home pageof the Web server. Therefore, in addition to the effect due to theinvention, it is possible to download the image capture guide list fromthe home page of the Web server.

Further, the image title selection unit selects one of the image titlesdisplayed on the screen, and when one of the image titles is selected bythe image title selection unit, the mode is switched to the recordingmode. Therefore, in addition to the effect due to the invention, it ispossible to enter the standby state for shooting after the image titleis selected, thus facilitating shooting in correlation to the imagetitle.

Further, still pictures, binary images and motion pictures as targets tobe recorded, and also voice memos are recordable. Therefore, in additionto the effect due to the invention, it is possible to record stillpictures, binary images, motion pictures as targets to be recorded, andvoice memos.

Further, the HTML file conversion unit converts the data recorded in therecording mode to an HTML file. Therefore, in addition to the effect dueto the invention, it is possible to create the HTML file of the recordeddata.

Further, the uploading unit uploads the HTML file converted by the HTMLfile conversion unit to the home page in the Web server. Therefore, inaddition to the effect due to the invention, it is possible to uploadthe HTML file of the recorded data to the Web server.

Further, the image title selected by the image title selection unit isadded to the parameter in the recorded file for the data recorded in therecording mode. Therefore, in addition to the effect due to theinvention, it is possible to correlate the recorded image with the imagetitle. Thus, it is possible to prevent erroneous correspondence betweenany of the images and any of the image titles.

Further, the recorded file for the data recorded in the recording modeis stored in correlation with the image title selected by the imagetitle selection unit. Therefore, in addition to the effect due to theinvention, it is possible to correlate the recorded image with the imagetitle. Thus, erroneous correspondence between any of the images and anyof the image titles can be prevented.

Further, the name of the recorded file includes the image title selectedby the image title selection unit. Therefore, it is possible tocorrelate the recorded image with the image title. Thus, erroneouscorrespondence between any of the images and any of the image titles canbe prevented.

Further, the image title selected by the image title selection unit issuperposed on the image data recorded in the recording mode. Therefore,it is possible to correlate the recorded image with the image title.Thus, erroneous correspondence between any of the images and any of theimage titles can be prevented.

Further, when an image title is selected from the image capture guidelist by the image title selection unit and recorded data relating tothis image title is recorded, the image title display unit displays themessage to the effect that recording corresponding to this image titlehas been performed. Therefore, in addition to the effect due to theinvention, the user can visually identify the recorded image title.

Further, the image title display unit displays the number of recordingson the screen of the display device for each image title. Therefore, theuser can check the number of recordings for each image title.

Further, when shooting for all the image titles in the image captureguide list has been finished, the message to the effect, that theshooting for the image capture guide list has been finished, is sent toa specified destination. Therefore, in addition to the effect due to theinvention, the instructor in the destination can get to know whether theoperations for the image capture guide list have been finished.

Further, when one of the image titles is selected by the image titleselection unit, the mode is switched to the recording mode, and theimage title selected by the image title selection unit is displayedtogether with the monitoring image of the subject on the screen of thedisplay device. Therefore, in addition to the effect due to theinvention, the user can take a picture while viewing the monitoringimage of the subject and the image title.

Further, when one of the image titles is selected by the image titleselection unit, the recording control unit shifts to the recording mode,records data to be recorded for any of still pictures, binary images,motion pictures of subjects, and voice memos according to the operationof the specific button, and stores the data in the storage unit as arecorded file. The grouping unit groups the recorded files for eachimage capture guide list. Therefore, in addition to the effect due tothe invention, it is possible to group the recorded files of therecorded images for each image capture guide list, thus facilitatingmanagement of the files for each image capture guide list.

Further, the grouping unit registers the recorded files in a folder orfolders for each image capture guide list to group the files. Therefore,in addition to the effect due to the invention, it is possible to managethe files with the folder(s).

Further, the image capture guide list further includes the shootinginstruction information that corresponds to each image title andprovides an instruction to a user. When one of the image titles isselected by the image title selection unit, the contents of the shootinginstruction information for the selected image capture guide list isnotified. Therefore, in addition to the effect due to the invention, itis possible to perform shooting and post-shooting processing based onthe instructions by the creator or instructor of this image captureguide list.

Further, the contents of the shooting instruction information are theshooting procedure or the instruction for operations to be carried outafter shooting. Therefore, in addition to the effect due to theinvention, it is possible to perform shooting according to the shootingprocedure corresponding to the image title.

Further, the attribute of the shooting instruction information is any oftext, graphics, voice memo, and motion pictures. Therefore, in additionto the effect due to the invention, the shooting instructions can beprovided in any of the text, graphics, a voice memo, and a motionpicture.

Further, the image capture guide list further includes the automaticprocessing instruction information that corresponds to each image titleand provides instructions for automatic settings of setting conditionswhen recording a target to be recorded, and/or for automatic processingto be executed after the recording. When an image title is selected bythe image title selection unit, the mode is switched to the recordingmode to execute the automatic settings of the setting conditions whenrecording the target to be recorded and/or the automatic processing.More specifically, this setting is required when the target is to berecorded, and this automatic processing is required to be executed afterthe recorded data is recorded. Both operations are executed based on thecontents of the automatic processing instruction information for theimage title selected by the image title selection unit. Therefore, inaddition to the effect due to the invention, it is possible to executethe automatic setting of the setting conditions when recording a targetto be recorded and/or the automatic processing to be executed after therecording.

Further, when the contents of the automatic processing instructioninformation for the image title selected by the image title selectionunit indicate the instruction to send data as an attachment after thedata is recorded, the data recorded in the recording mode is attached toe-mail to be sent to a specified destination through the communicationmeans. Therefore, in addition to the effect due to the invention, it ispossible to automatically send the recorded data as an attachment bye-mail.

Further, when the contents of the automatic processing instructioninformation for the image title selected by the image title selectionunit indicate the instruction to send thumbnail data as an attachmentafter the data is recorded, thumbnail images for the image data recordedin the recording mode are attached to e-mail to be sent to a specifieddestination through the communication means. Therefore, in addition tothe effect due to the invention, it is possible to automatically sendthe thumbnail images for the recorded images as an attachment by e-mail.

Further, when the contents of the automatic processing instructioninformation for the image title selected by the image title selectionunit indicate the instruction to send zoomed image data as an attachmentafter the data is recorded, the image data recorded in the recordingmode is changed to a specified size to be attached to e-mail, and thee-mail is sent to a specified destination through the communicationmeans. Therefore, in addition to the effect due to the invention, it ispossible to change the recorded image data to a desired size and sendthe zoomed image data as an attachment by e-mail.

Further, when the contents of the automatic processing instructioninformation for the image title selected by the image title selectionunit indicate the instruction to upload data to the home page after thedata is recorded, the image data recorded in the recording mode isconverted to an HTML file, which is uploaded to a specified home pagethrough the communication means. Therefore, in addition to the effectdue to the invention, it is possible to automatically upload therecorded image data to the home page.

Further, when the contents of the automatic processing instructioninformation for the image title selected by the image title selectionunit indicate the instruction to upload data to the home page after thedata is recorded and notify of the URL address of this home page, theimage data recorded in the recording mode is converted to an HTML file,which is uploaded to a specified home page through the communicationmeans, and the URL address of this home page is sent to a specifieddestination through the communication means. Therefore, in addition tothe effect due to the invention, it is possible to automatically uploadthe recorded image data to the home page and automatically send the URLaddress of this home page to a specified destination.

Further, when the contents of the automatic processing instructioninformation for the image title selected by the image title selectionunit indicate the instruction to input memo information after relateddata is recorded, the mode is switched to the memo input mode after thedata is recorded in the recording mode, and the file of the memoinformation input through the memo input unit is stored in correlationwith the recorded file of the data recorded in the recording mode.Therefore, in addition to the effect due to the invention, it ispossible to save the memo relating to the shooting as the related file.Thus, the user can smoothly carry out the operations.

Further, when the contents of the automatic processing instructioninformation for the image title selected by the image title selectionunit indicate the instruction to input memo information after relateddata is recorded, the mode is switched to the memo input mode after thedata is recorded in the recording mode, and the memo information inputthrough the memo input unit is superposed on the image data recorded inthe recording mode. Therefore, in addition to the effect due to theinvention, it is possible to superpose the memo relating to the shootingon the recorded image. Thus, the user can smoothly carry out theoperations.

Further, the memo information is provided with text or freehandcharacters. Therefore, in addition to the effect due to the invention,it is possible to input text or freehand characters as memo information.

Further, a superposing position of the memo information with respect tothe recorded image can freely be set.

Further, when the contents of the automatic processing instructioninformation for the image title selected by the image title selectionunit indicate the instruction to input voice memo after related data isrecorded, the mode is switched to the voice memo input mode after thedata is recorded in the recording mode, and the file of the voice memoinput through the voice memo input unit is stored in correlation withthe recorded file of the image data recorded in the recording mode.Therefore, in addition to the effect due to the invention, it ispossible to store the voice memo file in correlation with the imagefile.

Further, when the contents of the automatic processing instructioninformation for the image title selected by the image title selectionunit indicate the instruction to imprint a date on an image to berecorded, the image data is recorded in the recording mode, and then thedate is imprinted on this image data. Therefore, in addition to theeffect due to the invention, it is possible to imprint the date on theimage data.

Further, when the contents of the automatic processing instructioninformation for the image title selected by the image title selectionunit indicate the instruction to set the resolution of an image to berecorded, the resolution for shooting is set according to the settinginstruction. Therefore, in addition to the effect due to the invention,it is possible to automatically set the resolution.

Further, the image capture guide list includes at least one of imagetitles as targets to be recorded and information to be superposed forthis image title. When one of the image titles is selected by the imagetitle selection unit, the mode is switched to the recording mode, andthe information to be superposed for the image title, that is selectedfrom the image capture guide list by the selection unit, is superposedon the image recorded in this recording mode. Therefore, in addition tothe effect due to the invention, it is possible to superpose theinformation to be superposed relating to an image to be recorded on therecorded image and save it.

Further, a superposing position of the information to be superposed withrespect to the recorded image can freely be set. Therefore, in additionto the effect due to the invention, it is possible to superpose theinformation to be superposed on a desired position of the recordedimage.

Further, the image capture guide list includes automatic processinginstruction information that provides the instruction for automaticprocessing to be executed after data is recorded. When an image title isselected by the image title selection unit, the mode is switched to therecording mode, shooting is performed for each of the image titlesaccording to the operation of the specific button, and the shot imagedata is processed based on the automatic processing instructioninformation in the image capture guide list. Therefore, in addition tothe effect due to the invention, it is possible to shoot for each imagetitle and automatically perform the processing on the shot image data.

Further, when the automatic processing instruction information indicatesthe instruction to combine a plurality of images, the plurality ofimages recorded for each of the image titles are combined into one.Therefore, in addition to the effect due to the invention, it ispossible to combine the plurality of images recorded for each imagetitle into one.

Further, when the automatic processing instruction information indicatesthe instruction to correct a plurality of images, the plurality ofimages recorded for each of the image titles are corrected. Therefore,in addition to the effect due to the invention, it is possible tocorrect the plurality of images captured for each image title.

Further, the image capture guide list further includes the model nameinformation. The automatic processing instruction information is thecontents adequate for the model. The determination unit reads out themodel name information from the image capture guide list input throughthe image capture guide list input unit, and determines whether themodel name of its own and the model name in the image capture guide listmatch with each other. When it is determined by the determination unitthat these two match with each other, shooting is performed based on theimage capture guide list. Therefore, in addition to the effect due tothe invention, it is possible to perform shooting using the imagecapture guide list adequate for the own model.

According to another aspect of this invention, the optical system formsan image of a subject, the image pickup unit converts the formed subjectimage to image data. The memory temporarily stores the image data outputfrom the image pickup unit, and the storage control unit stores theimage data stored in the memory, in the recording medium in thepredetermined file format. The Web browsing unit captures Webinformation for the Web page of the Web server, stores the informationin the memory as display data, and records the display data stored inthe memory, in the recording medium in the predetermined file format.Therefore, it is possible to capture the Web information for the Webpage or the like in the data format the same as the image data picked-upby the optical system and the image pickup unit. Thus, the dataprocessing and the data management are facilitated.

Further, the Web browsing unit enlarges or reduces the size of thedisplay data stored in the memory according to the operation of the zoomlever to change a range of the Web information to be captured.Therefore, in addition to the effect due to the invention, it ispossible to freely set the capturing range of the data to be captured inmuch the same way the shooting is performed with the image input deviceby using the zoom lever.

Further, the display data stored in the memory is recorded in therecording medium in the predetermined file format according to theoperation of the shutter release button. Therefore, in addition to theeffect due to the invention, it is possible to capture the Webinformation for the Web page or the like by pressing the shutter releasebutton. It is also possible to capture data in much the same way theshooting is performed with the digital camera. Thus, the user-friendlyinterface can be provided.

Further, the Web browsing unit periodically accesses a particular URLfor the image to be browsed, and captures the Web information.Therefore, in addition to the effect due to the invention, it ispossible to facilitate periodic capturing of the data for the Web pagein much the same way the interval shooting is performed with the imageinput device.

Further, the freehand memo information input through the freehand memoinformation input unit and the Web information captured from the Webserver are combined into one. Therefore, it is possible to superpose thefreehand memo information on the Web information for the Web page or thelike and combine the information relating to the image with this image.Thus, the user's intention can clearly be expressed in a simple manner.

Further, the voice memo information is added to the Web informationcaptured from the Web server. Therefore, in addition to the effect dueto the invention, it is possible to easily add related voice memo to theWeb information for the Web page, which has been captured in much thesame way the shooting is performed with the camera.

Further, a position on the Web information, which has been browsed, isspecified, and the memo information input through the memo informationinput unit or previously stored in the memo information storage unit issuperposed on the specified position of the Web information. Therefore,in addition to the effect due to the invention, it is possible tosuperpose the freehand memo information on the specified position of theWeb information for the captured Web page, and combine the informationrelating to the image with this image. Thus, the user's intention canclearly be expressed in a simple manner.

Further, when the display data stored in the memory is recorded in therecording medium in the predetermined file format, the corresponding URLor e-mail address is written in the header of the file. Therefore, inaddition to the effect due to the invention, it is possible to easilycheck the URL or the like of the web information, which enablesaccessing to the URL.

Further, the files in the predetermined file format are classified intothose for respective folders according to the contents of the URLs.Therefore, in addition to the effect due to the invention, it ispossible to classify the captured Web information for the Web pages orthe like into those for respective folders, which is performed for eachhome page, for example.

According to still another aspect of this invention, the program isexecuted by the computer to create the image capture guide list which isdisplayed on the screen of the display device of the image inputapparatus, and includes at least one of image titles that representtargets to be recorded and are used for shooting. Therefore, in theimage input apparatus, shooting can be performed while checking theimage title in the image capture guide list. Accordingly, it is possibleto prevent forgetting to take required pictures, thus improvingusability for the user.

Further, the program is executed by the computer to read out the modelname information from the image input apparatus connected to thecomputer and create the image capture guide list adequate for the model.Therefore, in addition to the effect due to the invention, it ispossible to easily acquire the model name of the image input apparatusconnected to the computer, and create the image capture guide listadequate for the model in a simple manner.

Further, the program is executed by the computer to read out the modelname information from the header of the recorded file stored in theimage input apparatus and create the image capture guide list adequatefor the model. Therefore, in addition to the effect due to theinvention, it is possible to read out the model name information moreeasily.

Further, the program is executed by the computer to create the imagecapture guide list adequate for each model using the table in which themodel ability information for each model of plural image inputapparatuses is registered. Therefore, in addition to the effect due tothe invention, it is possible to create the image capture guide listadequate for the model more easily.

Further, the program is executed by the computer to create the imagecapture guide list. This image capture guide list is created bydisplaying the spreadsheet type input screen consisting of a pluralityof cells, inputting an image title in one of the cells on the inputscreen, specifying at least one of the cell positions where image titleshave been input, and including the image title on the specified cellposition. Therefore, in addition to the effect due to the invention, itis possible to improve the operability of creating the image captureguide list.

Further, the program is executed by the computer to create the imagecapture guide list. This image capture guide list is created bydisplaying the spreadsheet type input screen consisting of a pluralityof cells, inputting an image title and a shooting instruction itemrelating to this image title in respective cells on the input screen,specifying at least one of the cell positions where image titles havebeen input, and including the image title and the shooting instructionitem relating to the image title on the specified cell position.Therefore, in addition to the effect due to the invention, it ispossible to improve the operability of creating the image capture guidelist.

Further, the program is executed by the computer to create the imagecapture guide list. This image capture guide list is created bydisplaying the spreadsheet type input screen consisting of a pluralityof cells; inputting an image title in one of the cells on the inputscreen; changing the size of at least a part of the cells on the inputscreen; specifying at least one of the cell positions where the imagetitles have been input; specifying a cell position, in which an image isto be pasted, for each image title; and including the image title on thespecified cell position and the size of the specified cell. Therefore,in addition to the effect due to the invention, it is possible toimprove the operability of creating the image capture guide list.

Further, the program is executed by the computer to create the imagecapture guide list. This image capture guide list is created bydisplaying the spreadsheet type input screen consisting of a pluralityof cells; inputting an image title in one of the cells on the inputscreen, changing the size of at least a part of the cells on the inputscreen; pasting an image in one of the cells; specifying at least one ofthe cell positions where image titles have been input; specifying a cellposition, in which the image has been pasted, for each image title; andincluding the image title in the specified cell position and the size ofthe image pasted in the specified cell. Therefore, in addition to theeffect due to the invention, it is possible to improve the operabilityof creating the image capture guide list.

Further, the program is executed by the computer to input the imagerecorded by the image input apparatus based on the image capture guidelist and also input this image capture guide list, display thespreadsheet type input screen consisting of a plurality of cells,display an image title in the image capture guide list on a cell, readout the size of a target cell in which the image recorded correspondingto the image title is to be pasted, change the size of the recordedimage to the size of the read-out cell, and paste the recorded image inthe target cell. Therefore, in addition to the effect due to theinvention, it is possible to facilitate editing of the images recordedaccording to the image capture guide list, thus improving usability forthe user.

Further, the program is executed by the computer to change the size ofan image to the changed size of a cell if the size of the cell, in whichthe image has been pasted, is changed. Therefore, in addition to theeffect due to the invention, it is possible to facilitate editing of theimages recorded according to the image capture guide list.

The method according to still another aspect of this invention isrealized by creating an item list, that includes at least an itemindicating a title of a subject desired to be recorded, on the firstscreen; selecting the scope of writing out at least one of image titlesfrom the item list; and creating the image capture guide list includingthe image title. This method is also realized by displaying the imagetitle in the image capture guide list on the second screen; shooting asubject for each image title; selecting the range, in which the recordedimage (s) is pasted, from the item list on the first screen; and pastingthe recorded image (s) in the selected range. Therefore, it is possibleto easily create text in which a desired image is pasted.

The present document incorporates by reference the entire contents ofJapanese priority documents, 2000-100126 filed in Japan on Mar. 31,2000, 2000-100137 filed in Japan on Mar. 31, 2000, 2000-136406 filed inJapan on Mar. 31, 2000, 2000-109973 filed in Japan on Apr. 11, 2000,2000-109974 filed in Japan on Apr. 11, 2000, 2000-109975 filed in Japanon Apr. 11, 2000, 2000-269419 filed in Japan on Sep. 5, 2000,2000-269420 filed in Japan on Sep. 5, 2000, 2000-269421 filed in Japanon Sep. 5, 2000, and 2001-73153 filed in Japan on Mar. 14, 2001.

Although the invention has been described with respect to a specificembodiment for a complete and clear disclosure, the appended claims arenot to be thus limited but are to be construed as embodying allmodifications and alternative constructions that may occur to oneskilled in the art which fairly fall within the basic teaching hereinset forth.

1. An image input apparatus comprising: an optical system which forms animage of a subject; an image pickup unit which converts the formedsubject image to image data; an image capture guide list input unitwhich receives input of an image capture guide list, through which imagecapture guide lists each including at least one of image titlesrepresenting targets to be recorded are input; a storage unit whichstores at least one said image capture guide list input through saidimage capture guide list input unit; a display device which displaysinformation on its screen; an image capture guide list display unitwhich displays a list of said at least one image capture guide liststored in the storage unit on the screen of said display device; animage capture guide list selection unit which receives selection of oneimage capture guide list from said list of the at least one imagecapture guide list displayed on the screen of said display device; animage title display unit which displays the image title(s) included inthe image capture guide list selected by said image capture guide listselection unit from the list of the at least one image capture guidelist stored in said storage unit on the screen of said display device;and an image title selection unit which selects one of the image titlesdisplayed on the screen of said display device, wherein when an imagetitle is selected from the image capture guide list by said image titleselection unit and the data for this title is recorded, said image titledisplay unit displays a checkmark for a corresponding image title anddisplays a number of shot images for the image title, and when shootingof all images for the image titles displayed on the screen of saiddisplay device has not been completed, said image title display unitagain displays the image title in the image capture guide list on thescreen of said display device along with the checkmark for thecorresponding image title and the number of shot images for the imagetitle.
 2. The image input apparatus according to claim 1 furthercomprising: an image capture guide list display unit which displays theimage capture guide lists stored in said storage unit in list form onthe screen of said display device; and an image capture guide listselection unit which selects one from the image capture guide listsdisplayed on the screen, wherein said image title display unit displaysthe image title(s) included in the image capture guide list selected bysaid image capture guide list selection unit.
 3. The image inputapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said image capture guide listinput unit includes communication means used for receiving the imagecapture guide lists transferred from an information processing deviceconnected thereto.
 4. The image input apparatus according to claim 1,wherein said image capture guide list input unit includes a Web browsingunit which browses a home page of a Web server connected thereto anddownloads the image capture guide list on the home page.
 5. The imageinput apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when one of these imagetitles is selected by said image title selection unit, a mode isswitched to a recording mode.
 6. The image input apparatus according toclaim 5, wherein data for any of still pictures, binary images andmotion pictures as said targets to be recorded, and voice memos isrecorded in the recording mode.
 7. The image input apparatus accordingto claim 6 further comprising: an HTML file conversion unit whichconverts the data recorded in the recording mode to an HTML file.
 8. Theimage input apparatus according to claim 7 further comprising: anuploading unit which uploads the HTML file converted by said HTML fileconversion unit to a home page of a Web server.
 9. The image inputapparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image title selected by saidimage title selection unit is added to parameters in a recorded file forthe data recorded in the recording mode.
 10. The image input apparatusaccording to claim 9, wherein the recorded file for the data recorded inthe recording mode is stored in correlation with the image titleselected by said image title selection unit.
 11. The image inputapparatus according to claim 9, wherein a file name of the recorded filefor the data recorded in the recording mode includes the image titleselected by said selection unit in at least a part of the file name. 12.The image input apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image titleselected by said image title selection unit is superposed on the imagedata recorded in the recording mode.
 13. The image input apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein when shooting for all the image titles inthe image capture guide list has been finished, a message to the effect,that the shooting for the image capture guide list has been finished, issent to a specified destination.
 14. The image input apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein when one of the image titles is selected by saidimage title selection unit, the mode is switched to the recording modeto display the image title selected by said selection unit together witha monitoring image of the subject on the screen of said display device.15. The image input apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising: arecording control unit which shifts to the recording mode when an imagetitle is selected by said image title selection unit, records data to berecorded for any of still pictures, binary images, motion pictures ofsubjects, and voice memos according to the operation of a specificbutton, and stores the data in said storage unit as a recorded file; anda grouping unit which groups the recorded files for each image captureguide list.
 16. The image input apparatus according to claim 15, whereinsaid grouping unit registers the recorded files in a folder or foldersfor each image capture guide list to group the recorded files.
 17. Theimage input apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image captureguide list further includes shooting instruction information thatcorresponds to each image title and provides an instruction to a user,and when one of the image titles is selected by said image titleselection unit, the contents of the shooting instruction information forthe selected image capture guide list is notified.
 18. The image inputapparatus according to claim 17, wherein the contents of the shootinginstruction information are a shooting procedure or an instruction foroperations to be carried out after shooting.
 19. The image inputapparatus according to claim 17, wherein an attribute of the shootinginstruction information is any of text, graphics, a voice memo, and amotion picture.
 20. The image input apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the image capture guide list includes at least one of the imagetitles as targets to be recorded and information to be superposed forthis image title, and when one of these image titles is selected by saidselection unit, the mode is switched to the recording mode, and theinformation to be superposed, for the image title selected from theimage capture guide list by said selection unit, is superposed on theimage recorded in the recording mode.
 21. The image input apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the image capture guide list includesautomatic processing instruction information that provides aninstruction for automatic processing to be executed after data isrecorded, and when an image title is selected by said image titleselection unit, the mode is switched to the recording mode, shooting isperformed for each image title according to the operation of a specificbutton, and the shot image data is processed based on the automaticprocessing instruction information in the image capture guide list. 22.The image input apparatus according to claim 21, wherein when theautomatic processing instruction information indicates an instruction tocombine a plurality of images, the plurality of images recorded for eachof the image titles are combined into one.
 23. The image input apparatusaccording to claim 21, wherein when the automatic processing instructioninformation indicates an instruction to correct a plurality of images,the plurality of images recorded for each of the image titles arecorrected.
 24. The image input apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe image capture guide list further includes automatic processinginstruction information that corresponds to each image title andprovides instructions for automatic settings of setting conditions whenrecording a target to be recorded, and/or for automatic processing to beexecuted after the recording, and when an image title is selected bysaid image title selection unit, a mode is switched to the recordingmode to execute the automatic settings of setting conditions whenrecording the target to be recorded, and/or the automatic processing tobe executed after the recorded data is recorded based on the contents ofthe automatic processing instruction information for the image titleselected by said image title selection unit.
 25. The image inputapparatus according to claim 24 further comprising: communication meansthrough which data communications are performed with the outside,wherein when the contents of the automatic processing instructioninformation for the image title selected by said image title selectionunit indicate an instruction to send data as an attachment after thedata is recorded, the data recorded in the recording mode is attached toe-mail to be sent to a specified destination through said communicationmeans.
 26. The image input apparatus according to claim 24 furthercomprising: communication means through which data communications areperformed with the outside, wherein when the contents of the automaticprocessing instruction information for the image title selected by saidimage title selection unit indicate an instruction to send thumbnaildata as an attachment after the data is recorded, thumbnail images forthe image data recorded in the recording mode are attached to e-mail tobe sent to a specified destination through said communication means. 27.The image input apparatus according to claim 24 further comprising:communication means through which data communications are performed withthe outside, wherein when the contents of the automatic processinginstruction information for the image title selected by said image titleselection unit indicate an instruction to send zoomed image data as anattachment after the data is recorded, the image data recorded in therecording mode is changed to a specified size to be attached to e-mail,and the e-mail is sent to a specified destination through saidcommunication means.
 28. The image input apparatus according to claim 24further comprising: communication means through which datacommunications are performed with the outside, wherein when the contentsof the automatic processing instruction information for the image titleselected by said image title selection unit indicate an instruction toupload data to a home page after the data is recorded, the image datarecorded in the recording mode is converted to an HTML file, and theHTML file is uploaded to a specified home page through saidcommunication means.
 29. The image input apparatus according to claim 24further comprising: communication means through which datacommunications are performed with the outside, wherein when the contentsof the automatic processing instruction information for the image titleselected by said image title selection unit indicate an instruction toupload data to a home page after the data is recorded and notify of aURL address of this home page, the image data recorded in the recordingmode is converted to an HTML file, the HTML file is uploaded to aspecified home page through said communication means, and the URLaddress of this home page is also sent to a specified destinationthrough said communication means.
 30. The image input apparatusaccording to claim 24 further comprising: a memo input unit throughwhich memo information is input, wherein when the contents of theautomatic processing instruction information for the image titleselected by said image title selection unit indicate an instruction toinput memo information after related data is recorded, the mode isswitched to a memo input mode after the data is recorded in therecording mode, and a file of the memo information input through saidmemo input unit is stored in correlation with the recorded file of thedata recorded in the recording mode.
 31. The image input apparatusaccording to claim 24 further comprising: a memo input unit throughwhich memo information is input, wherein when the contents of theautomatic processing instruction information for the image titleselected by said image title selection unit indicate an instruction toinput memo information after related data is recorded, the mode isswitched to the memo input mode after the data is recorded in therecording mode, and the memo information input through said memo inputunit is combined with the image data recorded in the recording mode. 32.The image input apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the memoinformation is provided with text or freehand characters.
 33. The imageinput apparatus according to claim 31, wherein a combining position ofthe memo information with respect to the recorded image can freely beset.
 34. The image input apparatus according to claim 24 furthercomprising: a voice memo input unit through which voice memo is input,wherein when the contents of the automatic processing instructioninformation for the image title selected by said image title selectionunit indicate an instruction to input voice memo after related data isrecorded, the mode is switched to a voice memo input mode after the datais recorded in the recording mode, and a file of the voice memo inputthrough said voice memo input unit is stored in correlation with therecorded file of the image data recorded in the recording mode.
 35. Theimage input apparatus according to claim 24, wherein when the contentsof the automatic processing instruction information for the image titleselected by said image title selection unit indicate an instruction toimprint a date on an image to be recorded, the image data is recorded inthe recording mode, and then the date is imprinted on this image data.36. The image input apparatus according to claim 24, wherein when thecontents of the automatic processing instruction information for theimage title selected by said image title selection unit indicate aninstruction to set resolution of an image to be recorded, the resolutionfor shooting is set according to the setting instruction.
 37. The imageinput apparatus according to claim 24, wherein a superposing position ofthe information to be superposed with respect to the recorded image canfreely be set.
 38. The image input apparatus according to claim 24,wherein the image capture guide list further includes model nameinformation, and the automatic processing instruction information is thecontents adequate for the model, said apparatus further comprises adetermination unit which reads out the model name information of theimage capture guide list input through said input unit, and determineswhether the model name of its own and the model name specified in theimage capture guide list match with each other, and when it isdetermined by said determination unit that the own model name matchesthe model name in the image capture guide list, shooting is performedbased on the image capture guide list.